Is Wyett Ekeler related to Austin Ekeler? Meet Wyoming safety hoping to follow in brother’s NFL footsteps
The NFL Draft is a time for players to reach their dreams, and that’s especially true for some smaller-school players.
While the SEC and Big 10 typically dominate the event, standouts from other conferences can also find their way to becoming key members of draft classes. This year, one lesser-known player who hopes to find a role in the NFL is Wyett Ekeler, a safety from Wyoming.
If that name sounds familiar, that’s because Austin Ekeler is an established veteran in the NFL, first with the Chargers then the Commanders. The former undrafted free agent was a small-school running back himself who worked his way up to becoming one of the most reliable players in the league.
So, are Wyett Ekeler and Austin Ekeler related? Here’s what you need to know.
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Is Wyett Ekeler related to Austin Ekeler?Wyett Ekeler is Austin Ekeler’s younger half-brother, as the two have the same mother but different fathers. Both Ekelers attended high school in Colorado, but while Austin played college football at Western Colorado, Wyett chose to leave the state and attend Wyoming.
As he went through the draft process, Ekeler had a strong pro day, setting himself up well to join his brother in the NFL.
Wyoming S Wyett Ekeler created some buzz at his pro day as he looks to join his brother, Austin Ekeler, in the NFL.
🔶5-10, 199lbs
🔶40: 4.44
🔶Vertical: 41.5”
🔶Broad Jump: 10’11”
Ekeler recorded 197 tackles, 8 TFLs, 2 sacks, 3 FF, 2 FR, 4 INT & 15 PBU in 48 career games. pic.twitter.com/bAHHulS9ff
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) March 16, 2025Wyett Ekeler was a running back and linebacker in high school, but he changed positions to safety in college to better fit his skillset. According to 247 Sports, Ekeler was a three-star running back out of high school when he committed to Wyoming.
In 2019, before Wyett began his college career, Austin explained why the two were so close.
“I’d say it’s all about being brothers and none of it is built on football,” he said, via the Greeley Tribune. “It’s living together and growing up that is the developmental part of life. In those times, there was a lot of hard work and it brings you closer together.”
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Wyett Ekeler statsEkeler didn’t play much in his first two collegiate seasons, but he became a huge part of Wyoming’s defense in the last three years. Ekeler’s best season came in 2023 when he had a career high in tackles, sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles.
GamesGamesTacklesSacksInterceptionsPasses DefendedForced FumblesFumble Recoveries2020210000020211160000020221367017112023137722721202494601100
