A Michigan football legacy continues as two brothers, both two-time captains, achieve NFL draft success, forging their own unique standard.
In the storied history of Michigan Football, leadership isn't just an honor; it’s a standard. But for the Bredeson family, it has become a heritage.
With the selection of fullback Max Bredeson by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round (159th overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft, a historic circle has been completed. Max joins his older brother, Ben Bredeson, as the only pair of brothers in the 146-year history of the program to both serve as two-time team captains and both hear their names called on draft day.
A Culture of Captaincy
The "Michigan Man" moniker is often debated, but the Bredeson brothers provided a living definition. Ben, a stalwart offensive lineman who was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2020 (fourth round, 143rd overall), set the pace. Known for his technical precision and vocal leadership, Ben was a rare two-time captain (2018, 2019) who anchored the Joe Moore Award-contending lines of the late 2010s.
Fast forward to 2026, and the younger Bredeson has matched that feat. Max, who walked onto the team in 2021 as a tight end, transformed himself into the nation’s premier fullback through sheer grit. Voted a captain by his peers in both 2024 and 2025, Max became the heartbeat of a Michigan offense that prioritized physicality above all else.
"To have one son lead a program like Michigan is a dream for any parent," said one long-time team staffer. "To have two do it twice? That’s not just talent; that’s how they were raised. They are 'foxhole guys' through and through."
The Road to the Vikings
Max Bredeson’s path to the NFL was far from guaranteed. After earning a scholarship and becoming the "Most Improved Player" during Michigan’s 2023 National Championship run, he carved out a niche as an elite H-back and blocker. In 2025, he was awarded the LowMan Trophy, honoring the best fullback in college football.
His selection by Minnesota creates a reunion that feels scripted for Hollywood. Max will now block for his former Michigan teammate and close friend, quarterback J.J. McCarthy. When the pick was announced, McCarthy was reportedly seen celebrating with Max in their hometown of Hartland, Wisconsin.
Comparison of the Bredeson Eras
While their positions differed, their impact on the win-loss column was remarkably similar. Both brothers were instrumental in maintaining Michigan's "Blue Collar" identity.
Ben Bredeson
Max Bredeson
Years at Michigan
2016–2019
2021–2025
Captaincy Years
2018, 2019
2024, 2025
Draft Team
Baltimore Ravens (2020)
Minnesota Vikings (2026)
Key Accolade
All-Big Ten First Team
2025 LowMan Trophy Winner
The "Bredeson Standard"
The significance of the "two-time captain" tag cannot be overstated. At Michigan, captains are voted on by the players. To earn that trust once is difficult; to earn it twice—especially as a former walk-on like Max—speaks to a level of consistency and character that transcends the box score.
As Ben continues his NFL career (currently with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Max prepares for his rookie minicamp in Eagan, Minnesota, the Bredeson name is officially etched into the foundations of Schembechler Hall. They remain the first brothers to be drafted out of Ann Arbor since the Glasgow trio (Graham, Ryan, and Jordan), but they stand alone in the captain's log.
For Michigan fans, the image of a Bredeson in a winged helmet, barking out assignments and leading the team out of the tunnel, has been a comforting constant for nearly a decade. Now, the NFL gets to see what that leadership looks like on Sundays.