Jordyn Bailey describes his journey in the sport alongside his brother Emani.

When I was 3, my family moved to live with my grandparents in Aurora, Colorado. There, in my grandfather’s backyard, my older brother Emani and I learned to play football.

My grandfather saw how much fun Emani and I had tackling each other and throwing the ball around, and he got us onto a select football team called the Pirates.

My brother was on the tackle team. I was on the flag football team. We fell in love with the game at the same time. But one weekend, my team didn’t have enough players, so my brother finished his game and then came on the field to play the game with my team. And he stole my shine!  

Jordyn Bailey (right) with his brother, Emani Bailey (left), and their grandfather, whom they call “Papa.” Courtesy of the Bailey family

He was a lineman at the time, but he was catching every kickoff and taking it back to the other end zone. I was playing on offense. Every time I was up to play, I didn’t have anything to do because Emani scored a touchdown every time he touched the ball. From that point on, the two of us always worked to push each other. I always wanted to be as good as my brother. He would hold me to that standard, and I would strive towards it. 

After a few years in Colorado, we moved back to Denton, Texas, where I was born. Emani and I started playing Texas football, which was a lot different in speed and strength than what we learned in Colorado. So, our mother started training us.   

My mama was an athlete — a runner and a basketball player — so she trained Emani and me to be athletes. She used to take us to the track and have us run sprints with masks on our faces so we could learn to control our breathing. Every time I would complain or say I was tired, her response was the same: ‘I don’t care. Keep running!’    

Our mother is the most supportive, resilient and hardworking person I know. She raised three kids on her own, so my brother, sister and I have been very protective of her from a young age. None of us would be who we are without the sacrifices she made to bless us. She also taught us to appreciate everything God gives us and use our talents to bring glory to him.   

Jordyn Bailey (right) calls brother Emani (left) his best friend. Their mother, Casaundra (middle), a former athlete, helped coach the two as children. Courtesy of the Bailey family

When Emani left for college, it was the first time I was without his everyday influence by my side. I became the man of the house at 15 years old. My mother told me this was the time I had to step up and be able to do things on my own.

Right then, I felt that switch in me, on and off the field. I started taking my books and school work more seriously, committed myself to football and started thinking beyond my current point in life. 

In 2021, I got invited to a football camp at TCU. I ran a fast 40-yard dash, and I guess I was doing well because when the camp concluded, I had an offer to play TCU Football.

Jordyn Bailey fields a punt during TCU’s Oct. 4 game against Houston. Photo by Lily Margaret Greenway

TCU had always been my top school, but after the 2021 football season, Emani jumped in the transfer portal, and TCU called to give him an offer, too. I remember he called to tell me, and I said, ‘If you go to TCU, we can go together.’ He replied, ‘Let’s do it.’

My brother wasn’t the reason I chose to come to TCU, but he was a big part of what made my decision so easy.

Playing on the same team with my best friend was the best. Getting the chance to compete at a high level like this doesn’t happen too often. We were blessed enough to do it together.

He celebrated my first collegiate touchdown with me. I celebrated with him every time he scored. It was just crazy cool. 

Hard work and trust in God are the only reasons I am where I am today. Watching my mother, brother and sister’s ethic gave me the dedication to give my all to anything and everything I do. As a family and individuals, we stay the course and trust God.

— As told to Lily Margaret Greenway

Editor’s Note: These responses have been edited for length and clarity.