Devean and Markis Deal 

Brothers Devean and Markis Deal credit their work ethic to their parents, Nicki and Mike, who reflect on their sons’ shared football careers.

Markis and Devean Deal with their parents, Mike and Nicki Deal, and younger siblings, Zoey and Braylon. Courtesy of the Deal family

How long have you been playing football?

MARKIS: Pretty much my whole life. When I was 3 years old, even though I wasn’t “allowed” to play football yet, I’d play two years up on my brother’s team in scrimmages and try to learn as much as I could.  

DEVEAN: When we were really young, we played on the team our grandpa coached, the El Paso Thunder. We’ve played together three times — as little kids, during high school and now here at TCU.

MIKE (Dad): My dad was their coach, and he was my coach when I started playing the game. That first year, it was so much fun to see our boys grow and fall in love with the game of football. Devean would be standing at the foot of our bed at 6 a.m., dressed in his uniform and holding all of their gear, and I’d sit up and say, “What are you doing? We’ve got two hours before the game!” Markis, on the other hand, was a little harder to get out of bed.   

Young Devean (left) and Markis (right). Courtesy of the Deal family

How are Devean and Markis similar? And how are they different?

MIKE: They both love the game. Both have always been sticklers for rules — they want to play the game the right way. And they are also both coaches on the field. They have a higher IQ for football because they were always learning at home. At school, they were the teacher’s kids, and at practices, they were the coach’s kids, so they always had certain expectations and pressures from their classmates and teammates.  

NICKI (Mom): Looking at their personalities, Devean and Markis couldn’t be more different. But they both strive to be better and work harder in what they put their minds to. And I’m proud that they’re good people, too. 

How did TCU get on your radar?

MARKIS: Coming out of high school, I was blessed to be a big recruit who got to talk to and tour a lot of schools, which was a much different process than my brother’s recruitment during the Covid era. Every time I visited a new campus, my dad and Devean were the biggest help in determining what mattered to me in a team culture. TCU was the best fit for me by a long shot. As soon as I got the offer, I knew I would fit here. 

DEVEAN: I had more of a roundabout journey to TCU. I played for Tulane for the last three years. After we lost the American Athletic Conference Championship, my coach decided to leave, and I debated entering the transfer portal.

Markis (left) and Devean (right) sporting their El Paso youth league uniforms. Courtesy of the Deal family

I talked to Markis a lot about my decision because TCU was never on my radar until he got there. It would have been awesome to play with him earlier, but in the old defense, there wasn’t a role for me. When Coach [Andy] Avalos got the job and a new opportunity opened, I knew an offer from TCU would be a top target for me. I was actually on my way to a meeting with the new Tulane head coach about staying there when I got the news that Markis and my little sister Zoey had been in a bad car accident. Getting that call from my sister immediately made me realize I wanted to be closer to my family. I wanted to come home and play for TCU. 

MARKIS: Every week, Devean and I run out of the tunnel and see our whole family waving in the stands. Knowing we have that support behind us means the world. Being able to talk to my parents after the game or hug my mom after a tough loss is such a blessing.  

Markis (left) and Devean (right) after a Naaman Forest High School football game in nearby Garland, Texas. Courtesy of the Deal family

DEVEAN: Over the last couple of years, Markis and I have been split between two teams, and with mine playing over seven hours away, our parents haven’t been able to make many of my games. They tried to find ways to fly out or split up for the weekend, but now it’s easy for them to come to one place. I’m not constantly thinking about the fact that Markis and I get to be down here together, but every once in a while, when we both get called to go out there at the same time for a play, I’ll think, “It’s kind of awesome playing with my brother.”

NICKI: In my head, seeing them together was something I always wanted as we were taking all of those college visit trips, but I never wanted them to choose their school for each other. I hoped each of them would make a decision that would fit their position and their dreams individually, but seeing all of the pieces fit and being so close to home is an answered prayer. 

Who do you look up to?

MARKIS: I’ve always looked up to my dad and Devean. My dad played football at UTEP, so he’s been through the same journey as us in collegiate athletics, and he’s always been there motivating us. Ever since I was a kid, I watched whatever Devean did and tried to mimic it. I remember seeing him do drills when I was younger — back when I wasn’t really into sports — and wanting to participate just because my older brother was doing it.  

DEVEAN: Our dad has always been our character coach, but our mom is right there next to him. She played collegiate sports, too, so she understands the grind. She wore number 11 when she played volleyball and basketball, which is the reason why I wear it on my jersey now.

Markis (No. 95, center-left) and Devean (No. 11, center-right) have each recorded 2.5 tackles for loss this season. Photo by Lily Margaret Greenway

MARKIS: Dad kept us out of trouble, but Mom talked us through it when we made a mistake. Having them teach us and grow us differently instilled good morals into us ever since we were kids. I always want them to be proud of how they raised us.

What is your favorite memory of Devean and Markis playing together?

MIKE: I still remember Markis’ first sack. Devean got up and celebrated like it was his own. Similarly, in their high school playoffs, Devean had a big touchdown, and Markis, who was playing O-line at the time, blocked for Devean. They celebrated in the end zone together.   

NICKI: I think most of my favorite moments of them playing together were when they were little. Markis was always “the little Deal,” and now he’s bigger than Devean! But Markis always managed to work hard and play up a few years so he could be on the same team as Devean. I still remember when they were playing on the Spartans, cheesing and posing for picture day in their black and gold uniforms. But today, I cherish just watching the excitement they always have for each other’s wins. They always celebrate each other. 

 — Lily Margaret Greenway

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