Keyshawn Davis|Staff Writer| [email protected]

Sept. 21, 2019  

Max and Jet Green stare witheringly at each other as they get their photo taken. They try to be serious as they both laugh and joke, a distinct difference from the calamity they help cause on the football field. In dulcet tones as the camera shutter flicks, they reminisce about who is more serious than the other. 

The Greens are fraternal twins who will bring their competitiveness, brotherly support and the desire to hit on the defense to the Sacramento City College football team this season.

Max and Jet Green, both 19-year-old business majors, play linebacker this year for the Panthers. Linebackers (middle and outside) are typically considered one of the most important parts of the defense. They generally make the defensive call on the field, defend the run and pressure the quarterback. 

This is their first year playing for the Panthers after spending a season at the University of Idaho last year. Both brothers say that playing defense and the same position makes them feel equally competitive and supportive but also critical of each other in all aspects of their game. 

“It just helps us be better. We both push each other to strive to be better and help each other out on what aspects we can approve on. I think we take constructive criticism very well. When he sees an area that I’m lacking in, I want him to tell me about it and vice versa,” Jet said. 

Max agreed. “It just helps us to compete and push each other to make us play better, and then if one of us lacks in a different area, we could let them know. We take criticism pretty good because we know it’s going to help us get better.”

Max and Jet Green gained their competitive edge on the basketball court before starting to play football in the sixth grade. The twins played both sides of the football before ultimately settling on the defensive side toward the end of their senior year in high school and beginning of college. And there’s a reason for this. 

“I like to hit people,” Jet said. 

Max agrees. “It’s better than getting hit.” 

Both twins also say that their father, who died while they were sophomores in high school, was their biggest inspiration. 

“He was just a great guy [who] always taught me to do the right thing. Never lie, cheat or steal. Just do what’s right and be right by everyone. Always have your brother’s back,” said Max.

“He always pushed us to do our best. Never really got down on us that harsh, but if there was something that we can improve on, he would let us know,” said Jet.

The Greens plan to play this season and hope to receive scholarships to a four-year university and play football at the highest collegiate level.

“The goal is to play football for as long as I can, and if not, transfer to a four-year and get a degree,” said Jet. 

Max echoed his brother. “[I] hope for a scholarship and if not, transfer to a four-year and get a degree.”

So far, the City College team has lost its first two games, but the Green twins believe it’s a learning experience and they can be better going forward. They have a philosophy about the game. 

“Just go out there and play hard. Don’t be scared. It’s OK to play with fear, but you gotta use the fear as fuel to make you play hard,” said Max. 

“Always read your keys and give full effort,” Jet added. “Always know your assignment.”

The City College Panthers game schedule can be found: https://www.sccpanthers.com/sports/fball/2019-20/schedule