Many athletes spend so much time with their teammates on a daily basis over the course of a season that they often describe each other as family. For the Talbot brothers, that expression is now a reality. Liam, Zach, and Brendan Talbot had the rare opportunity to play together on Saturday, September 27 as members of the Windsor Lancer football team, all contributing in a 35-0 win on home turf against the Waterloo Warriors, marking the first time that all three had played together at the OUA level.

Liam Talbot, a fourth-year running back, finally got the chance to suit up with his two younger brothers, making his return to the lineup after a year on the sidelines. "Honestly it was a very emotional night," said the Human Kinetics major. "It's been a year since I've been able to play in a football game and to be able to come back and be out there last weekend with both my of brothers was truly special."

Liam has been a mainstay in the Lancer lineup when healthy, racking up 371 career rushing yards, 146 receiving yards, and four touchdowns in his four years of OUA play, including a career-best 207 rushing yards in 2023. He was able to see consistent action as soon as his first season, returning a combined 60 punts and kickoffs for just shy of 800 total yards.
 
When the three brothers finally all dressed against Waterloo, the London, Ont. natives made sure to make their presence felt, with Liam's 21 rushing yards on four carries leading the way. "For me, it was my first game in a long time, but my body felt healthy and I plan to continue to build on this win and on my own performance," explained Liam.

Zach, a first-year defensive back, returned two punts while adding a solo tackle, and first-year receiver Brendan gained valuable experience getting to see live game action early in his young career.

"During my time at the University of Windsor, I have been fortunate enough to coach pairs of brothers, but coaching three brothers on the same team has truly been memorable," said Lancer football head coach Jean-Paul Circelli, who has been leading the Lancers since 2019. "Witnessing all three brothers contribute to our victory—whether by carrying or returning the football or executing a tackle—has not only been a testament to their dedication and talent but has also strengthened the bonds within our Lancer Family. As a coach, there is no greater joy than seeing these young men achieve something special together, and the pride and joy felt by their family resonates deeply within our community."

The Talbot brothers mark the first trio of siblings to play for any Lancer team since the Allin brothers laced up for men's basketball in the 2000s. Greg (2003-08), Rich (2003-08), and Conor Allin (2006-09) all had successful OUA careers, leading Lancer basketball to an OUA Championship in 2007, winning the Wilson Cup. A fourth brother, Luke, also played from 2016-18, after the graduation of his three older brothers.
 
The two younger Talbot brothers are still forging their own paths, and their hard work and determination is beginning to pay off in the second half of their rookie seasons. Liam has been supporting them along the way, and is proud to see them have success after many years of effort to get to this point.

"My brothers have always been told that they are too small to play university level sports, but they just put their heads down and worked their tails off. I am so proud of them and love that our coaching staff sees their potential."

The Talbot brothers and the Lancers will be back on the field on Saturday, October 4 as they host the Western Mustangs at Alumni Stadium in Windsor, Ont. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m., with tickets available at golancers.ca/tickets and the game being streamed online at oua.tv.