Barton Brothers Ready For One Last Game Together At Holiday Bowl

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Barton brothers’ days of suiting up and playing football together as teammates will come to an end at the Holiday Bowl.

“It’s gone fast I’ll say that. It’s weird that we’re both seniors going out together. It’s a special experience, not a lot of guys get to experience that, I’m excited.” Cody Barton said 24 hours before kickoff.

One last G A M E D A Y mood 🔥
Where: Holiday Bowl, San Diego
When: 5 pm MST 🤪🎳
Who: Northwestern 🙌👀 #goutes pic.twitter.com/pquh9JDswU

— The MUSS (@TheMUSS) December 31, 2018

Both linebacker Cody and offensive lineman Jackson are seniors and will play suit up for the final time as Utah teammates Monday against Northwestern.

“We grew up really close together and it’s really cool to be close on the football team as well…it’s been a really cool experience.” Jackson said.Jackson is one year older than Cody, and growing up they had many backyard battles in more than just football.

“We we’re always wrestling each other,’ the older brother said. When asked who won those wrestling matches, the younger Cody flexed his muscles and said, “Who do you think won!”  To which Jackson replied, “Put your arms down so you don’t hurt yourself.”

Jackson and Cody come from deep Utah ties. Their father Paul played football and baseball for the Utes, their mother Mikki played basketball and volleyball at Utah while their younger sister Dani is currently on the Utah volleyball team.

It’s UTES time! See you tonight, @Utah_Football🏈@HolidayBowl pic.twitter.com/i9IlrT5hfd

— FOX Sports San Diego (@FOXSportsSD) December 31, 2018

“Since we were little boys we wanted to play at Utah. We would go to the games growing up and I would paint my face red and white and he would get a “U” painted on his face or something like that as little kids, to be fans as little boys to players now it’s surreal.” Cody said with a huge smile on his face.”

The emotion will be real when the final horn sounds at the end of the game on Monday.

“Well he’ll (Jackson) be crying I know that and I’ll probably be laughing and give him a hug.” Cody said jokingly. “He (Cody) cries to , he’s just not strong enough to admit it.” Jackson replied with a laugh.

Jackson summed up what the next 24 hours will be like for the Barton brothers in their Utah “swan song”

“There will be a lot of emotion afterwards but I’m just grateful for the experience to play with my brother one last time.”