BOZEMAN — It’s one thing for brothers to play high school football together, but you don’t often hear of twins making it to the next level together.
Brady and Padraig Lang both played safety at Bozeman High School, and it’s always been their dream to play at the next level in college together. That dream became a reality last week when they both committed to the University of Montana to play football next fall.
“It’s a pretty unreal feeling, to be honest," said Padraig Lang. "I always knew it was possible, but I never really thought it would happen, to be honest, growing up, so I’m just super thankful to get the opportunity.”
"It’s a really exciting opportunity to be able to go over there and compete in football for another four or five years, so we’re really excited for that chance," added Brady Lang.
Playing for a Big Sky Conference program was always the goal for the Lang brothers, and while the two grew up bleeding Montana State University blue and gold, they knew Missoula was the best place to continue their careers.
“Ever since the beginning of the recruiting process, it wasn’t an abrupt decision that we made," said Padraig. "It was kind of gradual. There was kind of a point where it went past and I was like, ‘I just want to be a Grizzly, and I’m ready to go.'”
They shared a special moment with their parents the night before announcing their commitment, sharing the good news they made the decision to continue their football careers together.
“It makes me kind of emotional, as well as my parents, to see in the end we reached the goal that we’ve wanted for so long, and they’re just so happy for us and I’m so thankful for their support," said Padraig.
They’ve already bought their parents Grizzly gear for next year’s football season, but their father, Ken Lang, might be a little hesitant to put it on since he played for the Bobcats during their 1984 national championship season.
“It will be tough for the first time. It might take a little while, but I think eventually he’ll get over it," chuckled Brady.
"He knows well that there’s no, it’s not a two-way street," added Padraig. "You’re either a Bobcat or a Grizzly. Me and Brady are obviously going to be all Griz, but hopefully we can get him on our side.”
The brothers are already counting down the days until they can step on campus and get to work, but they’re also enjoying the last few months they have of being Bozeman Hawks.
“I wish I could be a Bozeman Hawk forever, but unfortunately that’s not the case, so I’m excited to be a Grizzly and excited to get to continue my education and start the next chapter in my life," said Padraig.
