If you’ve spent any time watching NFL Sunday over the last few years, you’ve probably had this exact thought. You see the name Singletary on the back of a jersey—first for the Bills, then the Texans, and now for the New York Giants—and your brain immediately jumps back to those wide, intense eyes of Samurai Mike.
It’s a natural connection. Both have left a significant mark on the gridiron. One was the middle linebacker who basically invented "intensity" for the 1985 Chicago Bears, and the other is a shifty, tough-as-nails running back who seems to pick up four yards when there are only two available.
But honestly? The connection ends at the jersey.
Is Devin Singletary related to Mike Singletary? Let's clear it up
To put it bluntly: no. Devin Singletary is not related to Mike Singletary. They aren't father and son, they aren't uncle and nephew, and as far as any public genealogy goes, they don't even share a distant cousin.
They are just two guys with the same last name playing at the highest level of professional sports. It’s kinda like the "Taylor Swift and any other Swift" situation—just a common name in a big world.
While the Hall of Famer Mike Singletary does have a large family, his son Matt Singletary actually pursued football at the college level (playing for Baylor and California Polytechnic) and even spent some time as an actor and coach, but he never hit the NFL stat sheets like Devin has.
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Breaking down the family trees
If you look at where these guys actually come from, the geography tells most of the story.
Mike Singletary is a Texas legend through and through. Born in Houston, he played his college ball at Baylor before becoming the "Heart of the Defense" in Chicago. He and his wife, Kim, raised seven children: Kristen, Matt, Jill, Jackie, Brooke, Becky, and John. None of them are named Devin.
On the flip side, Devin "Motor" Singletary is a Florida kid.
He was born in Deerfield Beach and played high school ball at American Heritage in Delray Beach. If you're looking for the "real" Singletary connection in Devin’s life, you have to look at his father, Devonn Singletary Sr. That’s where the nickname came from. Devonn Sr. was a standout player at Norfolk State, and he was the original "Motor." He passed the name down to his son because of the way the kid never stopped moving on the field. It’s a cool bit of legacy, just not the one most fans assume when they hear the name on a broadcast.
Why the confusion still happens in 2026
The reason people keep asking is Devin Singletary related to Mike Singletary isn't just because of the name. It’s the style of play.
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Even though they play on opposite sides of the ball, they share a certain "old school" grit. Mike was known for his punishing hits and the way he could diagnose a play before the ball was even snapped. Devin, despite being a smaller back at 5'7", plays with a physical chip on his shoulder. He’s a "contact seeker" who doesn't shy away from the dirty work in the trenches.
Also, geography threw a wrench in things for a minute.
In 2023, Devin signed with the Houston Texans. Since Mike Singletary was born in Houston and is basically royalty in that city, fans naturally assumed it was a homecoming for a "legacy" player. Nope. Just a coincidence. Devin was there for a season to revitalize the run game before heading off to East Rutherford to join the Giants.
A quick look at the Singletary legacies
| Feature | Mike Singletary | Devin Singletary |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Linebacker | Running Back |
| Primary Team | Chicago Bears | Giants, Texans, Bills |
| Hometown | Houston, TX | Deerfield Beach, FL |
| Nickname | Samurai Mike | Motor |
| Hall of Fame? | Yes (1998) | Active Player |
As of early 2026, Devin is still grinding away in the NFL. He’s eclipsed the 4,900-yard rushing mark and continues to be one of the most reliable veteran backs in the league. He’s carved out his own identity that has nothing to do with the "85 Bears," and honestly, that’s more impressive than riding someone else's coat-tails.
What's Mike Singletary doing now?
While Devin is dodging blitzes, Mike Singletary has been focusing on leadership and coaching. He’s had stints as a head coach for the 49ers and various assistant roles, but lately, he's been more involved in motivational speaking and high school coaching in the Dallas area.
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He’s 67 now, still looking like he could suit up and stop a goal-line stand, but his focus is squarely on his own seven kids and his grandkids.
The verdict for fans
It’s an easy mistake to make. The NFL loves a good lineage story—think the Mannings, the Matthews family, or the Watts. But in this case, it’s just two unrelated men who happen to be elite athletes.
If you want to support "Motor," keep an eye on the Giants’ backfield. He’s going to keep churning out yards and proving that you don't need a Hall of Fame father to have a Hall of Fame work ethic.
Next Steps for Football Fans:
- Check out the New York Giants' current depth chart to see how Devin is being utilized in the rotation this season.
- Look up old film of Mike Singletary’s "eyes"—it’s some of the most famous footage in NFL history for a reason.
- Keep an eye on rookie rosters; there are more Singletarys coming through the college ranks, though they aren't likely related to either of these icons.