So, he preps the ribs and puts them on the grill, then comes back inside to watch a bit of the pre-game show. I'm in the kitchen making some rice, and maybe like 10 minutes later I start smelling something burning. At first I thought maybe something had fallen under the pot. As I'm checking, my brother comes in and asks what's burning. There's nothing under the pot so I tell him I don't know, and as one we turn to the back door and see smoke everywhere. We run out and see the grill is billowing smoke and flames are peeking out of the air vents.
It was a pretty big "Oh crap!" moment, but he shut off the gas and we were able to put out the flames and no damage was done. I mean other than to the ribs and the grill itself.
So, now my brother has a reason to buy a new grill, and we will be researching how to properly cook beef ribs on a grill without them catching fire before we try making them again.
And we once again learned the my mom is not the best person the have around during these kinds of situations. She has also decided she's buying a fire extinguisher first thing tomorrow.
Also, my brother has now sworn us all to secrecy. He cannot let his reputation be tarnished.
glad everyone's okay! 
