The world of sports is often about legacies and milestones, and several standout athletes are proving that talent runs deep in their bloodlines. Soon, NBA fans may witness an unprecedented moment as LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, are poised to become the first father-son duo to share an NBA court. If LeBron stays with the Los Angeles Lakers this year, this historic event will come to life following Bronny's recent draft selection.
A Glimpse at NFL's Familial Ties
The NFL is no stranger to family dynasties either. Currently, more than a dozen active NFL players have fathers who have had illustrious careers. Among the next generation, 16 future NFL prospects boast direct ties to former greats. This connection isn't just casual but an integral part of the league's evolving narrative.
One such story of familial success is that of Shedeur Sanders, who transferred from Jackson State to Colorado. Shedeur is now playing under the guidance of his Hall of Fame father, Deion Sanders. An eight-time Pro Bowler and renowned cornerback and return specialist, Deion Sanders' impact on the sport continues as the head coach at Colorado.
E.J. Warner is another young talent on the rise, having transferred from Temple to Rice. He follows in the footsteps of his father, Kurt Warner, who won two MVP awards and notably led the Rams to a Super Bowl championship at the end of the 1999 season.
Young Stars and their NFL Greats
Cole Pennington started three games for Marshall in 2023 as an injury replacement. His father, Chad Pennington, had a storied 12-year career with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, earning the Comeback Player of the Year title twice. Similarly, Henry Hasselbeck, who recently committed to UCLA after initially planning to attend Michigan State, is the son of Matt Hasselbeck, a three-time Pro Bowler who led the Seattle Seahawks between 2001 and 2010.
Eden James has made a significant impact at Howard University, averaging over five yards per carry in his first two college seasons. He carries the heritage of his father, Edgerrin James, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020 and ranks just outside the NFL’s all-time top-10 rushing list.
E.J. Smith, now a player for Texas A&M after transferring from Stanford, is the progeny of Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher. Emmitt Smith spent 13 of his 15 pro seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, winning three Super Bowl titles.
Pioneers in College Football
Antonio Gates Jr., another rising star, made his college debut at Michigan State in 2023 as a redshirt freshman. His father, Antonio Gates, is renowned as one of the most accomplished tight ends in NFL history, with 116 touchdown catches.
Christian Harrison is making waves in special teams during his college career at Tennessee, a path that harks back to his father, Rodney Harrison, who won two Super Bowls over an impressive 15-year career.
Other notable mentions include:
- Cristian Driver, initially a defensive back at Penn State, has converted to wide receiver with Minnesota. His father, Donald Driver, earned four Pro Bowl selections over a 14-year career with the Green Bay Packers.
- Mason Taylor, displaying stellar performances with at least 35 catches in each of his first two seasons at LSU, continues the legacy of Jason Taylor, a Hall of Famer with six Pro Bowl selections and a Defensive Player of the Year award.
- Willis McGahee IV, recognized as a top-ranked outside linebacker prospect at Nebraska, is the son of Willis McGahee III, who enjoyed an 11-season career as a running back.
- Devan Kennedy, a new name on the college football scene at Iowa, is following in the footsteps of his father, Jimmy Kennedy, a 2003 first-round draft pick who played nine NFL seasons.
- Bryce Young has committed to Notre Dame. Bryce’s father, Bryant Young, spent 14 years with the San Francisco 49ers, winning a Super Bowl and earning four Pro Bowl nods.
- Kennedy Urlacher, making a name for himself at Notre Dame, is the son of Brian Urlacher, a Hall of Famer and eight-time Pro Bowler for the Chicago Bears.
- Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., a highly regarded defensive back and return specialist at Alabama, carries on the family tradition set by Dre Kirkpatrick (Sr.), who played ten seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Bengals.
Each of these young athletes carries the weight and honor of their familial legacies while carving out their own identities in the world of sports. This new generation, enriched by the wisdom and accomplishments of their predecessors, promises to deliver exhilarating performances and extend the legacies of their family names further into the annals of sports history.