Yes, Jake Kumerow and Nick Bosa are first cousins, but they aren't "long-lost" in any mysterious way. They belong to a massive, multi-generational football family tree that spans several decades of professional sports. Their shared lineage connects multiple first-round draft picks, historic collegiate standouts, and even a surprising tie to Chicago mob history.
The connection between the wide receiver and the elite defensive lineman comes down to their mothers and uncles. Understanding how their athletic dynasty functions requires looking closely at the Pyle-Kumerow-Bosa family web.
The Pyle-Kumerow-Bosa Family Tree
Football talent runs deep on both sides of the family, anchored by grandfather Palmer Pyle, who played guard in the NFL during the 1960s. Palmer's brother, Mike Pyle, captained the Chicago Bears and played center.
Palmer Pyle's children married into the football world, establishing the links between Jake Kumerow and the Bosa brothers:
- Jake Kumerow's Father: Eric Kumerow played linebacker at Ohio State and was selected 16th overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 1988 NFL Draft. Eric married a Pyle sister, making Jake part of this athletic bloodline.
- Nick and Joey Bosa's Father: John Bosa was also a first-round pick, selected 16th overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 1987 NFL Draft out of Boston College. John married Cheryl Pyle, Palmer's daughter.
- The Cousin Link: Because Cheryl Pyle and Jake's mother are sisters (or connected through the Pyle siblings), Nick and Joey Bosa are Jake Kumerow's first cousins.
Generation of First-Round Picks and Pros
The family tree features an unusual statistical coincidence involving high draft picks. Both John Bosa and Eric Kumerow were drafted 16th overall in consecutive years (1987 and 1988) by the exact same franchise, the Miami Dolphins.
While John and Eric had solid professional stints, the next generation took their football careers even further:
- Joey Bosa became a dominant pass rusher at Ohio State and was selected third overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2016.
- Nick Bosa followed a nearly identical path, starring at Ohio State before going second overall to the San Francisco 49ers in 2019, eventually winning NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
- Jake Kumerow took a different route, playing at Division III UW-Whitewater before grinding his way into the NFL as an undrafted free agent, carving out a respected career as a wide receiver and special teams standout with teams like the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills.
You can read more about player backgrounds on Pro Football Reference.
The Chicago Mob Connection
Every deep dive into the Bosa and Kumerow family tree inevitably uncovers an unexpected historical footnote. The maternal grandfather of Cheryl and the Pyle siblings was Tony Accardo, a notorious figure who served as a top leader and successor to Al Capone in the Chicago Outfit during the 20th century.
While Accardo's criminal empire made mob history, his descendants chose a very different path, channeling their competitive intensity into gridiron dominance rather than illicit enterprises. Sports journalists often highlight this stark contrast when mapping out how the family tree branched out into modern professional sports.
Common Misconceptions About NFL Relatives
Fans often confuse how various NFL players are related due to widespread internet rumors. Clarifying these connections helps separate reality from fiction:
- Not Brothers: Nick and Joey Bosa are brothers, but Jake Kumerow is their cousin, not a third brother.
- Not Long-Lost: They didn't discover each other on a television genealogy show; they grew up within a well-known sports family where multi-sport reunions and athletic training were standard.
- Different Positions: Unlike the Watt brothers (who all played defense or offensive line), this family features explosive edge rushers alongside wide receiver talent.
To explore more documented sports lineages, check out Wikipedia's List of family relations in American football.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Nick Bosa and Jake Kumerow close?
While they play on different sides of the ball and distinct NFL franchises, they share a mutual respect rooted in their shared family history of professional football. They grew up aware of their extensive athletic lineage.
Did Jake Kumerow go to the same college as the Bosa brothers?
No. While Nick and Joey Bosa starred at Ohio State, Jake Kumerow started his college career at Illinois Benedictine before transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he won national championships.
How many NFL players are in this family tree?
At least seven members across multiple generations have reached the professional ranks, starting with great-uncle Mike Pyle and grandfather Palmer Pyle, extending down to John Bosa, Eric Kumerow, Joey Bosa, Nick Bosa, and Jake Kumerow.
Is Jake Kumerow still playing in the NFL?
Jake Kumerow established himself as a trusted wide receiver and core special teamer, earning praise from quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers during his time in Green Bay before playing for Buffalo.
