RUSTON, La. - When the final whistle blew on November 30, 2013 in San Antonio, Texas, the Bulldogs' season was not the only thing that came to an end.

After playing together from elementary school to college, Louisiana Tech senior Richard Greenwalt had played his final game with his twin brother Jon Greenwalt.

Side by side, it is hard to believe the two are twins. Jon, the wide receiver stands at 6-foot-2-inches, 204 pounds, while Rick, the offensive lineman, stands at 6-foot-4-inches, 302 pounds. Don't let appearances fool you though, as the Greenwalt brothers have built a nearly unbreakable bond.

Jon and Richard (Rick) were no different from any other brothers. They constantly messed with each other and got into trouble. Starting off football at a young age, the twins developed a chemistry on the field that would prove difficult to stop for any secondary.

"Growing up until high school, I played quarterback and Jon played wide receiver," Rick said. "We had that tandem and I would always throw to him. I would throw it as hard as I could and he would just go get it."

Rick made the switch to lineman in high school and it paid off when he was given the opportunity to play for Division II program Minnesota-Crookston. The absence of Jon, coupled with a 1-11 season quickly had Rick back in California playing with his brother.

"Football was just something I wanted to do and it was more fun playing with Jon," Rick said. "My mom and dad got to see me and it was awesome seeing the joy that it brought them. We first started playing college ball at Riverside Community College. We went undefeated and were ranked fourth in the nation. It was one of the most fun years I have ever had playing football."

The Greenwalt brothers commuted 45 minutes to class and practice every day while living with their parents. With no scholarships, the brothers earned extra cash working at a Christmas tree store where they would leave each night with around $200 in tips.

With the season concluded, Rick and Jon were eager to take the next step and play together at the Division I level. When former Louisiana Tech offensive coordinator Tony Franklin offered both a scholarship, the dream of playing Division I college football together became a reality.

While Rick finished up summer classes, Jon made the trek to Ruston for summer workouts. Teammates originally found it hard to believe that the two were twins.

"Jon definitely got my dad's traits," Rick said on their different personalities. "He is a real strong and level-headed person. He keeps to himself and once he gets comfortable he opens up. I got my moms. I am real stubborn and outgoing. I guess I got lucky because I like mine better than his. At first I am little awkward, but once you get to know me even a little bit, you get the full Rick experience."

However, just months after signing, the Greenwalt family would be changed forever. On May 22, 2012, Vikki Greenwalt, the mother of Rick and Jon, passed away of a heart aneurism at the age of just 52.

Jon Greenwalt Sr., Vikki's husband of 22 years, decided to move to Louisiana so he could spend more time with his two boys as they closed out their playing careers at LA Tech.

"It has been good and I have stayed out of their personal life," Jon Sr. said. "I go to all the home and road games. It will be sad on senior night when it is Rick's last home game. I'll have to move on somehow, and as a father it will be tough, but it has been great being here."

Last season was Jon's senior year, so when Louisiana Tech's final home game of the 2013 season came around, Rick was going to do anything it took to get on the field one last time with his brother.

"Last year when Jon was playing in his last game, Rick was the second string guard," Jon Sr. said. "Rick convinced [Matthew Shepperd] to take his helmet off and throw it down during a play so that he would have to come out of the game and Rick could go in to be on the field with his brother one last time. That is how much it matters to them."

While the days of football are starting to come to a close, the family bond remains stronger than ever. Jon is currently in graduate school at Northwestern State while still living in Ruston where he can spend time with Rick and Jon Sr.

"They are always going to have somebody," Jon Sr. said. "I am just thrilled that they are so close. They will always have good family, whether one is on the east coast and one is on the west coast. They will always have each other and that is what a person needs in life."

Rick and Jon will share the field one last time, senior day. As Rick runs out to meet Jon Jr. and Jon Sr. at midfield, it will remind all three why they are at Louisiana Tech - family.

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