Tremaine Edmunds didn’t just become a hardcore competitor when he got to Virginia Tech or after the Bills picked him up in the draft. However, that drive started way earlier, thanks to growing up with an NFL-playing dad and two older brothers, Trey and Terrell, who also made it to the league. The Edmunds household was all about competition—whether sports or anything else, everyone constantly pushed each other to improve.
That upbringing clearly worked out for them. Tremaine and Terrell became the first brothers ever to get drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft. Tremaine was picked by the Bills at No. 16, and Terrell went to the Steelers at No. 28 in 2018. Growing up in that kind of environment, with high expectations set by their dad, shaped who they are on and off the field. It’s all about family, football, and the legacy they continue building together.
Tremaine And Terrell Edmunds: Early Life And Background
The Edmunds brothers’ strong work ethic stems from their father, Ferrell Edmunds, a two-time Pro Bowl tight end who played seven NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins (1988-92) and Seattle Seahawks (1993-94).
Tremaine Edmunds made a name for himself at Dan River High School in Ringgold, Virginia, where he played multiple positions, including linebacker, defensive end, and tight end, earning three letters. During his junior year, he put up impressive numbers—123 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, two blocked kicks, and two forced fumbles—earning him a nomination for Virginia’s Defensive Player of the Year. Though an injury cut short his senior season, he still achieved all-state honors at tight end and linebacker. As a 3-star recruit, Tremaine chose Virginia Tech over offers from schools like Cincinnati, East Carolina, Hampton, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, USC, and Virginia.
Terrell Edmunds also attended Dan River High School in Ringgold, Virginia, and made an impact on both offense and defense over his three varsity seasons. Primarily playing as a tailback, he rushed for 2,438 yards and 33 touchdowns on 263 carries, averaging 9.3 yards per carry. He recorded 112 tackles, five interceptions, and three fumble recoveries on defense. Terrell committed to Virginia Tech to continue his football career like his brother.
Tremaine and Terrell Edmunds have an elder brother, Trey Edmunds, who carved his path in football. At Dan River High School, Trey excelled as both a running back and linebacker, rushing for 2,596 yards and 33 touchdowns, which made up 61.5% of his team’s offense. On defense, he tallied 143 tackles, two sacks, and four interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. His athletic prowess extended beyond football; he won the state title in the 200-meter dash and scored over 1,000 points in basketball. Trey, a 4-star recruit, chose to play football at Virginia Tech despite offers from several Power 5 schools.
After going undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft, Trey signed with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent. He made his NFL debut on September 11, 2017, with a kickoff return for 22 yards and scored his first career touchdown with a 41-yard run against the Buffalo Bills. Despite this promising start, he was waived by the Saints in September 2018.
Trey then joined the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad on September 5, 2018, where he reunited with his brother Terrell. He was promoted to the active roster in December 2018 and contributed to special teams. Throughout his career with the Steelers, Trey had several stints on and off the roster and recorded notable plays, including an interception during a fake punt in 2019. Trey announced his retirement from professional football on November 21, 2023, via Instagram.
How Ferrell Edmunds Shaped His Sons’ NFL Careers? 
A two-time Pro Bowl tight end, Ferrell Edmunds significantly influenced his sons’ NFL careers by emphasizing hard work and preparation. He mentioned, “It was a good opportunity for me to spend time with them and also spend time with their friends to teach them about football,”
With a solid NFL background, Ferrell instilled in Trey, Terrell, and Tremaine the principle that effort matters most. He advised them, “When there’s time to put in work, put in work. Don’t live with regrets.” This mindset was crucial in their development.
In high school, the Edmunds brothers thrived under this competitive spirit. Tremaine, playing up with his older brother Terrell, benefited greatly. Ferrell observed Tremaine’s maturity, noting, “Tremaine was a real mature guy. His maturity was always there.” Tremaine valued these experiences, saying, “Competing with older guys…made me a better player.” This environment helped all three brothers excel and paved the way for their successful NFL careers.
Ferrell’s influence went beyond football. The Edmunds family fostered 16 children, teaching the brothers about empathy and gratitude. Tremaine found this experience impactful, reflecting, “Be grateful for the little things. Seeing how my family was able to affect somebody else means a lot to me.”
Ferrell’s lessons on preparation and empathy shaped his sons’ lives, both on and off the field. Tremaine highlighted the broader impact of these teachings: “Once football is taken away from you, you’ve got to stand for something. If your whole identity is just football…it’s going to be hard to navigate through life.” Ferrell’s guidance provided a foundation that continues to influence his sons today.
The NFL Journey of the Dynamic Brothers Tremaine Edmunds: A Rising Star In Buffalo 
Early NFL JourneyTremaine Edmunds made waves in the 2018 NFL Draft when the Buffalo Bills selected him 16th overall, trading up to secure him. At just 19 years and 11 months old, Edmunds became the second youngest player drafted in NFL history. His rookie season showcased his immediate impact: he started all 16 games, recording 121 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. In December, Edmunds earned the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month title after a standout performance, recording 43 tackles and two interceptions.
Pro Bowl SeasonsEdmunds continued to shine in his second year, being named a team captain and earning his first Pro Bowl selection in 2020. He registered 115 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception. Despite battling a shoulder injury in 2020, he secured his second Pro Bowl nod. In his final year with the Bills, Edmunds showcased his leadership and playmaking ability, including a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns.
Chicago Bears EraIn March 2023, Edmunds signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Chicago Bears. His performance in Week 2, with a team-leading 16 tackles, highlighted his ongoing dominance on the field.
Terrell Edmunds: A Steady Presence In The League 
Draft and Early CareerTerrell Edmunds entered the NFL as the 28th overall pick in the 2018 Draft, selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Initially backing up strong safety Morgan Burnett, Edmunds soon became a starter. His rookie season saw him record 78 tackles, one sack, and one interception. He made a notable debut with an interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and continued to build on his rookie success.
Progressing in PittsburghIn his second season, Edmunds consistently performed well, leading the team with 11 tackles in Week 2. In 2020, he recorded his first two season interceptions against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite the Steelers not exercising his fifth-year option, Edmunds remained a reliable player throughout his tenure in Pittsburgh.
Later Career MovesEdmunds returned to the Steelers on a one-year deal in 2022 but moved to the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2023. In October 2023, the Eagles traded him a fifth-round pick and a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft to the Titans for safety Kevin Byard. By May 2024, he joined the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he continues to seek new professional opportunities.
