In a historic season for the NBA and the NFL, legacies continue to dominate the sports narrative as notable names from past generations make their mark on the modern game. Perhaps the most anticipated event is the potential pairing of LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, on an NBA court. This father-son duo stands on the brink of an unprecedented milestone, with LeBron’s continuation with the Los Angeles Lakers this season setting the stage for them to make history together.
While LeBron and Bronny capture the spotlight in basketball, the NFL teems with multi-generational talent, proving that greatness often runs in the family. Over a dozen active NFL players have followed in their father’s footsteps, showcasing skills that hark back to earlier eras of the sport.
The Next Generation in the NFL
Emerging stars like Shedeur Sanders, who transferred from Jackson State to Colorado, are continuing the family legacy under the direct tutelage of their famous parents. Shedeur now plays under his father, Deion Sanders - an eight-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Fame cornerback. Deion’s impact extends beyond his playing days as he now molds young talents as Colorado's coach, influencing college football on multiple levels.
Similarly, E.J. Warner's transfer from Temple to Rice shows how the drive for excellence persists across generations. His father, Kurt Warner, won two MVP awards and led the Rams to a Super Bowl championship in the 1999 season, creating lofty expectations for the younger Warner.
College Gridiron Greats
The college football scene is equally peppered with familiar names. Cole Pennington has shown resilience and skill, stepping in as an injury replacement for Marshall in 2023, a testament to the grit inherited from his father, Chad Pennington, who enjoyed a 12-year career with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins and was twice named Comeback Player of the Year.
Henry Hasselbeck committed to UCLA after initially planning to attend Michigan State. His father, Matt Hasselbeck, led the Seattle Seahawks from 2001 to 2010, making three Pro Bowl appearances and showcasing the leadership and talent that the younger Hasselbeck aims to emulate.
At Howard University, Eden James is already making a significant impact, averaging more than five yards per carry in his first two college seasons. His father, Edgerrin James, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020 and hovers just outside the NFL's all-time top-10 rushing list, setting a high bar for his son.
Noteworthy Transfers and Rising Stars
Elsewhere, E.J. Smith’s transfer to Texas A&M from Stanford marks another chapter in a storied NFL lineage. His father, Emmitt Smith, holds the title of the NFL's all-time leading rusher and played a crucial role in the Dallas Cowboys' three Super Bowl titles during his 15-season career.
Antonio Gates Jr. debuted 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 to his name.
Rooted in versatility, Cristian Driver, who started as a defensive back at Penn State and later converted to a wide receiver with Minnesota, follows in the footsteps of his father, Donald Driver, a 14-year veteran of the NFL and a Green Bay Packers star with four Pro Bowl selections.
Securing the Future
LSU’s Mason Taylor has already netted at least 35 catches in each of his first two seasons, reflecting the prowess of his father, Jason Taylor, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017 after a distinguished 15-year career, including six Pro Bowl selections and a Defensive Player of the Year award.
On the defensive end, Willis McGahee IV is a highly-touted outside linebacker prospect at Nebraska, aiming to mimic, if not surpass, the success of his father, Willis McGahee III, who sustained an 11-season career as a formidable running back.
New faces also surface as Devan Kennedy makes his debut in the college football scene at Iowa, bringing memories of his father, Jimmy Kennedy, a 2003 first-round draft pick and a nine-season NFL player.
Bryce Young’s commitment to Notre Dame adds another chapter to the legacy of his father, Bryant Young, a former San Francisco 49ers linchpin with a Super Bowl ring and four Pro Bowl distinctions to his name.
The tradition continues with Christian Harrison making waves on special teams at Tennessee, reflecting the two Super Bowl victories and a 15-year career of his father, Rodney Harrison.
Shilo Sanders’ move from Jackson State to Colorado and Kennedy Urlacher’s establishment at Notre Dame further emphasize the dynamic influence of their fathers, Deion Sanders and Brian Urlacher, respectively, both Hall of Famers and eight-time Pro Bowlers.
Finally, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. is making significant strides as a defensive back and return specialist at Alabama, following the path laid by his father, Dre Kirkpatrick Sr., who played predominantly for the Bengals over his ten-season NFL tenure.
These stories of familial legacy in sports not only celebrate the rich history of athletic excellence but also set the stage for the next generation to continue the tradition of greatness, making the future of professional sports as thrilling as its storied past.