If you are a fan of the NFL, you might have wondered if there is any connection between Devin Singletary, the running back for the Buffalo Bills, and Mike Singletary, the former Chicago Bears linebacker and coach. After all, they share a common last name and both play or played in the same league. Is it possible that they are related by blood or marriage? The answer might surprise you.
Who is Devin Singletary?
Devin Singletary, also known as “Motor”, was born on September 3, 1997, in Deerfield Beach, Florida. He is the only son of Devonn Singletary Sr. and Sabrina Clark. He inherited his nickname from his father, who also played football for Norfolk State. Devin developed a passion for football from a young age and excelled at the sport thanks to his solid build and agility.
He started his football career at American Heritage School in Delray Beach, Florida, where he led his team to two state championships. He then played college football at Florida Atlantic University, where he became one of the most prolific rushers in the nation. He led the division I FBS players in 2017 for rushing touchdowns (32), combined rushing and receiving touchdowns (33), points scored (198), and rushing yards (1,920). He also broke several school and conference records during his three-year stint.
In December 2018, Devin announced his intention to enter the 2019 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the third round as the 74th overall pick. He joined the team as a backup to veterans LeSean McCoy and Frank Gore, but soon earned more playing time due to his impressive performance. He finished his rookie season with 775 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 151 carries.
In 2020, Devin became the Bills’ lead running back after McCoy was released and Gore became a free agent. He formed a dynamic duo with rookie Zack Moss and helped the Bills win their first AFC East title since 1995. He also scored his first playoff touchdown in the wild-card round against the Indianapolis Colts. He ended the season with 687 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 156 carries.
Who is Mike Singletary?
Mike Singletary was born on October 9, 1958, in Houston, Texas. He was one of ten children of Rudell and Charles Singletary. He grew up in a poor and violent neighborhood and found refuge in football. He played linebacker for Worthing High School and earned All-American honors. He then played college football at Baylor University, where he was a two-time All-American and won the Davey O’Brien Memorial Trophy as the most outstanding player in the Southwest Conference.
He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. He spent his entire 12-year career with the Bears and became one of the best defensive players of all time. He was nicknamed “The Heart of the Defense” for his leadership, intensity, and skill. He was a key member of the legendary “85 Bears” defense that won Super Bowl XX. He was also a ten-time Pro Bowler, an eight-time All-Pro, a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and a member of the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team.
He retired after the 1992 season with 1,488 tackles, 19 sacks, seven interceptions, and 12 fumble recoveries. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998 and into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999. He also had his number 50 jersey retired by the Bears.
He began his coaching career in 2003 as a linebackers coach for the Baltimore Ravens. He then served as an assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers from 2005 to 2008. He was promoted to head coach midway through the 2008 season after Mike Nolan was fired. He coached the 49ers until he was fired after the 2010 season with an overall record of 18-22.
He then worked as a linebackers coach for the Minnesota Vikings from 2011 to 2013 and as a defensive advisor for the Los Angeles Rams from 2016 to 2017. He also coached in various leagues outside of the NFL, such as Alliance of American Football (AAF) and Texas Christian Academy (TCA). His son Matt Singletary played defensive end at Baylor University but did not make it to the NFL. Instead, he pursued a career in entertainment as a writer and actor.
Despite their shared last name and involvement in football, Devin Singletary and Mike Singletary are not related. They have different parents, different birthplaces, different ethnic backgrounds, and different generations. They have never even met or interacted with each other, as far as the public knows.
The only thing they have in common is their surname, which is not uncommon in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Singletary is the 2,248th most common surname in the country, with about 14,000 people bearing it. It is derived from an English place name meaning “dweller by the single tree”. [13]
Therefore, it is possible that Devin and Mike share some distant ancestors who came from England, but there is no evidence to support that claim. They are simply two individuals who happen to have the same last name and play the same sport.
Conclusion
Devin Singletary and Mike Singletary are not related by blood or marriage. They are two separate football players who have achieved success in their own ways. Devin is a young and promising running back for the Buffalo Bills, while Mike is a retired and legendary linebacker and coach for the Chicago Bears. They share a common surname, but nothing else. They are not related, but they are both respected in the NFL.
