PHX Reporter

Toby McBride officially signed his letter of intent to play football at Colorado State University, marking a significant moment for the small town of Fort Morgan, Colorado. On that same day, CSU extended its first scholarship offer to Toby's younger brother, Trey McBride.

"Coming from where we grew up, people didn't go to college and play football," Trey said. "That wasn't a thing. I excelled in every sport and didn't think about (college). I just wanted to be the best at whatever sport that was going on."

The competitive spirit between the brothers was evident from a young age. If Toby achieved something on the field or court, Trey aimed to surpass it.

NFL players have emerged from Fort Morgan before, including Broncos tight end Joel Dressen and Buccaneers center Ryan Jensen. However, Toby recognized early on that Trey had unique potential. The two played together as varsity starters at defensive end during high school.

"We just wreaked havoc," Toby said. "Knowing he was starting really young...was a tell he was going to be special."

Trey initially played tight end midway through his sophomore season and eventually followed Toby to CSU despite numerous offers. He blossomed into a second-round pick for the Cardinals while Toby remained an integral part of Trey's journey.

"I always knew I could do this but I think I was the only one who believed in myself," Trey said.

Sibling rivalries were natural for the McBrides. Both excelled in multiple sports but always supported each other's success.

"Toby always rubs in my face; he was a state champion in wrestling three times and I never won state in anything in my career," Trey said with a smile.

During recruitment, Toby attended several football camps and noticed athletes who reminded him of Trey's abilities.

"You see the athletes running and jumping and you think, 'I see this every day in my backyard,'" Toby said.

Toby refrained from influencing Trey's decision on which college to attend but hoped he would choose CSU. Eventually, Trey did join CSU partly due to their early recruitment efforts and partly to reunite with Toby on the field.

In college, Trey's performance caught attention when he was named first-team All-Mountain West as a sophomore. This achievement brought NFL aspirations into focus for him.

"It was the hardest thing I had to go through," Toby said about his own injuries. "Trey being on the team made it a lot easier."

As both brothers left college simultaneously, they navigated Trey's draft process together with Toby stepping in as an anchor amidst agents and financial advisers vying for Trey's attention.

"He was the only one in my family who really understood what was going on," Trey said.

Toby moved to Arizona with Trey as he began his Cardinals career in 2022, providing support through challenges including slow starts and learning curves typical for rookies.

"The bond we have is special," Trey said.

Cardinals' offensive coordinator Drew Petzing acknowledged Trey's growth: "At the beginning of the season...everyone has a role...I think (Trey) did a great job of making sure he was ready when his opportunity came."

Veteran guard Will Hernandez praised Trey's improvement as a blocker: "He's a dog...he definitely made an emphasis to get better in that area."

Coach Jonathan Gannon appreciates McBride's positive influence within the team: "He's good to go now," according to Toby.

Reflecting on his goals for the upcoming season, Trey expressed mixed emotions but remains focused on preparation each week. His brother believes there's still room for growth: "I think it's great people are excited...but he's still got a ways to go."

"I'm not saying it because I am his brother," concluded Toby. "I'm saying it because I have seen it more than anybody."