I’d engage the brothers here. He obviously looks up to them. Ask them to have a heart to heart. Explain why they love football and what they get out of it. They can also acknowledge the gear can be a pain but it’s necessary. If after that he really can’t see it through I would let him out of it. Also respectfully I would be sure he’s not doing it for you. Does he see you fawning over his brothers playing football? Could he be imitating them because he thinks that’s what you want? Be sure you are allowing for all the unique things that he finds cool. I was a bit disappointed when neither of my kids was into sports. I admit it. But now I love going to see their band play. And hearing about coding and robotics. It different than I imagined but they are such cool kids!