We’ve said it ever since we wanted to walk on and start our journey at BYU — that we’d do it together until the end. – Garrett Juergens
PROVO — When senior receiver Garrett Juergens caught his first touchdown pass, it made a lot of people happy, but probably none so much as his identical twin brother, Mitchell. That first score came midway through the fourth quarter of BYU's 51-9 win over Massachusetts last Saturday, with his teammates celebrating the moment quite enthusiastically.
Mitchell, who has caught seven touchdowns over his career, was still beaming about his brother's achievement the week after, during interviews with the media.
“That was well-deserved and a long, hard wait,” Mitchell said. “He’s a guy who has fought every single day, for so many years. He’s battled injuries, gotten some tough breaks, but it was awesome to see him come out and get a touchdown. I think I was probably the happiest guy on the sideline there … it was a cool moment for him and he’s deserved it for how hard he’s worked.”
The Juergens brothers, as identical twins, are impossible to distinguish for just about everyone, and came to BYU with indistinguishable goals when they decided to walk on at BYU back in 2010. Coming into the program from Houston, they wanted to take their experience as far as possible — hopeful they could last until their respective senior seasons.
“We’ve said it ever since we wanted to walk on and start our journey at BYU — that we’d do it together until the end,” Garrett said. “And sure enough, it’s here and we hoped it would last this long, but we never expected it.”
“This would have been my dream that I thought was the farthest to reach,” Mitchell added when reflecting upon his own BYU experience. “When I’ve looked back at my career, I’m just grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given and it’s honestly been a dream. … It’s just been an awesome experience and I’m nothing but grateful to put on the uniform and play here at BYU.”
Mitchell opted to play a year before leaving for his LDS Church mission to Mexico while Garrett left immediately for his own mission service to Peru. Garrett, subsequently began his Cougar career in 2013, while Mitchell began his career anew in 2014.
Mitchell's career has been notable over the last three seasons played due to holding down a consistent spot in the receiver rotation, allowing him to make several notable plays. Chief among those notable plays would be his miraculous 35-yard touchdown reception against Boise State with just 45 seconds left on the clock, giving the Cougars a 28-24 lead and an eventual win.
Garrett, meanwhile, has played mostly on the defensive side, although actually playing has been a challenge. Unlike his brother, who has gone through his career relatively healthy, Garrett has incurred his share of injury issues until this, his final season.
“The last two seasons I’ve only played in six games, so to be able to finish an entire season, it’s been less stressful,” Garrett said. “It’s been nice and something I definitely hoped for. It’s a blessing, for sure.”
Both players have thoroughly their overall experience at BYU and agreed that those within the football program have helped provide the high points.
“I just think the culture — the players, the coaches — the connections that we’re able to make. You’re not going to be able to live like this ever again," Mitchell said. "So it’s just been a tremendous blessing to put on the ‘Y’ — knowing what that represents. It’s going to be hard to not be a BYU football player anymore.”
As for what 'putting on the Y' means to him, Mitchell believes it means a lot more than it would at other places.
“To me it represents something just bigger than football," he said. "It represents our savior, Jesus Christ. It’s representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and that’s something that means a lot to me. And it’s also about representing our families as best we can. It’s a band of brothers putting that ‘Y’ on. … It’s more than just football.”