By Steve Spiewak
MaxPreps.com
ÿ
For years, teams playing against Atlanta had to worry about the linebacker combination of Jessie Tuggle and David Brandon, the leaders of the Falcon defense.
ÿ
Today, high school teams playing in Atlanta have to worry about a second generation of playmakers, Northview High School's Justin Tuggle and Xzavian Brandon.
ÿ
This time, the Tuggle-Brandon connection is on the other side of the ball, with Justin playing quarterback and Xzavian playing wide receiver.
ÿ
Much like the friendship of their fathers, Justin and Xzavian's relationship transcends the playing field.
ÿ
"Justin and I first met when my dad was traded to the Falcons in 1996," Xzavian said. "We played on the same rec league team, and I actually played quarterback and he was our running back. We've been best friends ever since."
ÿ
Playing together on and off since age six, Justin and Xzavian's friendship has flourished while their NFL dads have also maintained close ties.
ÿ
"They're really good friends. My dad and Mr. Tuggle play golf together, and every week they talk about what they see with our team, what needs to be done, and all about different schemes," Xzavian said.
ÿ
Justin recalls times spent in the Falcons locker room, where his dad would joke with other players over whose son would win the following weekend's game.
ÿ
While both Justin and Xzavian are proud of their fathers, it is clear that each plays for himself and takes the field with something to prove.
ÿ
"People think that your ability comes just from your dad, and that I'm just playing because my dad played," Justin said. "They think I just use his name, so I try to prove that I play with my own ability every time I take the field."
ÿ
Though opponents might have a special target on Brandon and Tuggle, amongst their teammates, the atmosphere is much different.
ÿ
"A few of the guys have dads that played college and pro, so we all get along and don't get treated differently," Xzavian said.
ÿ
"There are a few jokes here and there, but nothing real crazy," Justin added.
ÿ
If Justin doesn't stand out among his teammates, he certainly does within his own family, particularly in the eyes of his dad Jessie, himself a five-time Pro Bowl selection.
ÿ
"Justin was real skinny growing up, and now he's four inches taller than me. He towers over me," Jessie joked. "It seems like only a couple of years ago we met in the rec league park. I have video tape of both of them when they were only 10 years old."
ÿ
Quarterback Justin, who wears jersey No. 12, and wide receiver Xzavian, No. 9, both juniors, jokingly refer to themselves as the "9-12 Collabo." Perhaps not surprisingly, both members of the 9-12 Collabo are drawing serious interest from several SEC and ACC schools, and might be able to continue the connection on the next level.
ÿ
"We talk about it a lot, playing on the same team. We go to all the camps together. I'm sure we'll consider it. And if it doesn't work out, we'll continue to remain best friends," Xzavian remarked.
ÿ
"We have the chemistry already," Justin added. "We read each other very well."
ÿ
In the end, if the "9-12 Collabo" does not continue in college and beyond, it is clear that their friendship off the field will persist. This, most certainly, was a lesson they each learned from dad.