On Sunday, November 17, the Las Vegas Raiders visited the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. The match-up would be the first-ever meeting of the Eichenbergs as Liam '16 and Tommy '19 faced each other on the gridiron for the first time in their football careers.
In the history of the Saint Ignatius football program, the Eichenberg's became the first pair of siblings to get drafted into the NFL, and they are now the first pair of siblings to face each other at the highest level of professional football.
Liam was the Dolphins' second-round selection in the 2021 draft. He has started in 48 of his 53 career NFL games and has played center and guard this season.
Tommy was the Raiders' fifth-round selection in this year's draft. His first career start for the Raiders came in their week five game against the Denver Broncos. Tommy is the starting strong-side linebacker for the Raiders, playing alongside Maxx Crosby and Robert Spillane.
Liam was a member of the Fighting Irish at the University of Notre Dame from 2016 to 2020. He was an All-American tackle for the Green and Gold during his time at South Bend. Liam is now a starting lineman for one of the NFL's heavy offensive powerhouses, which features names such as Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De'Von Achane.
Tommy was instrumental in the Wildcats' 2017 State Runner-up season success. He collected 81 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and two interceptions as a junior. Tommy went on to play for the Scarlet and Gray at The Ohio State University from 2019 to 2023. Tommy was a Team Captain and was the Rose Bowl MVP in 2022, collecting 17 tackles against the Utah Utes in Pasadena.
Liam will have bragging rights during the holidays this time around, as the Dolphins defeated the Raiders 34-19 on Sunday.
(Liam #74 blocking against Dre'Mont #55)
It wasn't the first time this season that a pair of alums met on football's biggest stage. Earlier this season, former Wildcat teammates Liam and Dre'Mont Jones '15 would go against each other when the Dolphins traveled to Seattle. Jones would collect two solo tackles, a sack, and two QB hits in the Seahawks' 24-3 win over the Dolphins.
