At Summer Creek High School, two linebackers play with a bond forged not by DNA, but by devotion.
Tyson Joiner and Joseph “TRE” Carroll III are brothers in every sense that matters, raised under the same roof, molded by the same game and anchored by the same dreams.
Their journey, from a chance encounter at a little league football practice to anchoring one of the area’s toughest defenses, is living proof that family isn’t always about bloodlines. Sometimes, it’s about choosing to stand together, through every challenge, on and off the field.
Eight years ago, a young boy named Tyson showed up to practice with the East Houston Oilers.
“We were doing drills and this kid showed up with a really bad limp,” said Coach Joseph Carroll II. “I remember thinking, `How am I going to incorporate a special-needs kid into my team?’”
The next day, Tyson came back with no limp this time.
“He wasn’t special needs at all. He was actually a really good athlete,” said Carroll. “He was fast, eager to learn and very coachable. He talked so much, I had to redirect him constantly. But he was a good kid.”
As Carroll got to know Tyson, he realized football wasn’t the only thing the boy needed.
“He had a case worker and I started to hear about his situation outside of football,” Carroll said. “That’s when I decided to host a team-bonding event at my home; that day, I noticed how inquisitive he was. He wanted everything explained. I felt in my heart this kid just needed some guidance and love.”
Carroll’s son, Joseph “TRE” Carroll III, was also on the team. The two boys, who were the same age and grade, clicked almost instantly.
Coach Carroll and his wife, LaShannon, watched as the bond deepened day by day. Eventually, they decided to fully incorporate Tyson into their family.
“As different as they are in appearance, I see no difference between them,” said Coach Carroll. “They’re both my sons.”
Tre remembers that bond forming even before the paperwork made it official.
“Before my dad adopted Tyson, football had already bonded us together,” said Tre. “Coach treated him like a son from the beginning.”
Tyson agreed.
“He always encouraged me to make good choices and checked on me, even in the offseason,” Tyson said. “That wasn’t something normal coaches did. He went above and beyond to show me he cared.”
At the time, Tre was the team’s quarterback and Tyson’s speed quickly made him the running back.
“I thought he was going to give me the ball all the time and I’d score touchdowns,” said Tyson.
On June 25, 2020, that bond became permanent. Tyson officially became part of the Carroll family.
“Before the adoption, I was in survival mode,” Tyson said. “When I became part of the family, I finally felt wanted.”
Life in the Carroll household gave Tyson the stability he had longed for.
“My life wasn’t run by the books anymore,” said Tyson. “I had choices, options, a voice. I could pick out my own clothes, eat what I wanted and just be free.”
Tre felt adjustments as well.
“I used to be the youngest and the only boy,” said Tre. “When Tyson came, life was more fun. We did everything together. If I got in trouble, I had someone else to blame. It was fun.”
For LaShannon Carroll, the choice to adopt Tyson came from a place of faith and motherly instinct.
“Children are innocent,” said LaShannon. “God spoke to me and gave me a feeling of motherly love towards him. I wanted to give him a chance at life. I knew the foster care system was not a place for a child.”
Coach Carroll added, “He needed guidance and a positive male figure. My wife and I were blessed to provide that and we’re so proud of him.”
From day one, the Carrolls made it clear that Tyson wasn’t an “adopted son;” he was simply their son.
“I wanted him to know he deserved everything our other children had,” LaShannon said. “Although his becoming our son may have looked different, it wasn’t different. We wanted him to feel free and to just be a worry-free kid.”
Today, Tyson and Tre play side by side at linebacker for Summer Creek. Their chemistry is obvious on Friday nights.
“Their confidence, their ability and their skills definitely help us out from a defensive standpoint,” said Kenny Harrison, head football coach at Summer Creek High School. “They are tremendous leaders and hardworking kids. Anytime those guys are on the field, we’ll always have a chance to win.”
“If you watch us play, you’ll see we move alike and think alike,” Tre said. “We train the same, we push each other and I’m comfortable knowing my brother is next to me.”
The game that brought them together is now where their bond shines brightest.
“If I could talk to my younger self, I’d say, ‘Don’t make bad choices, be patient, your time is coming,’” said Tyson. “Where you are now is temporary. A new, beautiful life is coming.”
Tre echoed that sentiment. “Tyson has shown me what it feels like to have someone truly in my corner. He has my back no matter what, on and off the field.”
Both brothers dream of playing college football, ideally at the same school and one day going pro.
“Even if we’re on separate teams, there will be film study, critiques and trash talk,” said Tre. “But off the field, it’s about being there for each other, being best men at each other’s weddings and raising our kids the way our parents raised us.”
For Tyson and Tre, brotherhood isn’t defined by last names or DNA.
“Family is love and choosing to show up every day for each other,” said Tyson.
About Tyson Joiner:
Class: 2026
IG: @Tj_tocold7
Twitter: @TysonJoiner11
Position: Linebacker
Height & weight: 6-feet, 215 pounds
Favorite artist: Rod Wave
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite subjects: Science
Shout-outs: Mom, dad, Tre, my best friend Tita and coaches
About Joseph “TRE” Carroll III:
Class: 2026
IG: @Lahtre_
Twitter: @JosephCarroll_3
Position: Linebacker
Height & weight: 6-feet-1, 215 pounds
Favorite artist: Rod Wave
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite subjects: Science
Shout-outs: Mom, dad, Tyson, my best friend Jaxon and coaches
