In a groundbreaking turn of events, LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, are on track to become the first father-son duo to share an NBA court. Should LeBron remain with the Los Angeles Lakers this year, fans would witness this historic moment following Bronny's recent draft-day selection. The narrative of athletic legacies, however, stretches beyond basketball and into other major sports arenas, notably the NFL.
More than a dozen active NFL players are following in the footsteps of their illustrious fathers. Currently, there are 16 future NFL prospects with direct ties to former gridiron greats, underscoring the deep-rooted tradition of family legacies in professional sports.
Continuing the Family Legacy
One prominent name is Shedeur Sanders, who transferred to Colorado from Jackson State. Under the guidance of his father, Deion Sanders, Shedeur is set to carve out his path in the football world. Deion Sanders, an eight-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer, has left a significant mark both on the field and now as Colorado's coach.
Meanwhile, E.J. Warner made a move from Temple to Rice, looking to follow the trail blazed by his father, Kurt Warner. Kurt Warner's legacy includes two MVP awards and leading the Rams to a Super Bowl championship in the 1999 season, establishing a high bar for his son.
Chad Pennington, who established a 12-year career with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins and was twice named Comeback Player of the Year, now watches as his son, Cole Pennington, begins his journey. Cole started three games for Marshall in 2023, stepping up as an injury replacement.
Emerging Talents and Commitments
The tradition continues with Henry Hasselbeck, who committed to UCLA after initially planning to attend Michigan State. His father, Matt Hasselbeck, led the Seattle Seahawks from 2001 to 2010 and made three Pro Bowl appearances, lending his expertise to his son’s budding career.
Eden James has also emerged as a powerhouse at Howard, 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 ranks just outside the NFL's all-time top-10 rushing list.
Similarly, E.J. Smith transferred to Texas A&M from Stanford, striving to carry forward the legacy of his father, Emmitt Smith. Emmitt Smith is the NFL's all-time leading rusher, having played 13 of his 15 pro seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and winning three Super Bowl titles.
New Generations on the Horizon
Antonio Gates Jr. made his college debut at Michigan State in 2023 as a redshirt freshman, stepping into the hefty shoes of his father, Antonio Gates—a tight end with a remarkable 116 touchdown catches in NFL history.
In another instance of transformation, Cristian Driver initially played as a defensive back at Penn State but has since converted to a wide receiver with Minnesota. His father, Donald Driver, played 14 years with the Green Bay Packers and was selected to four Pro Bowls during his tenure.
Mason Taylor, with at least 35 catches in each of his first two seasons at LSU, continues the lasting influence of his father, Jason Taylor, who enjoyed a 15-year NFL career that included six Pro Bowl selections and a Defensive Player of the Year award.
Willis McGahee IV, a top-ranked outside linebacker prospect at Nebraska, seeks to emulate the career of his father, Willis McGahee III, who had an 11-season run as a running back.
A Blend of New and Established Names
New names like Devan Kennedy are also making waves in the college football scene at Iowa, 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, continuing the legacy of his father, Bryant Young, who shined for 14 years with the San Francisco 49ers, winning a Super Bowl and earning four Pro Bowl nods.
Christian Harrison is making an impact in special teams during his college career at Tennessee, seeking to live up to the achievements of Rodney Harrison, who enjoyed a 15-year career highlighted by two Super Bowl wins.
The Sanders family doubles up with Shilo Sanders also transferring from Jackson State to Colorado, joining his brother Shedeur under the tutelage of their father.
Establishing Prominence in Their Own Right
Kennedy Urlacher is establishing himself at Notre Dame, following the path set by his father, Brian Urlacher, an eight-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer with the Chicago Bears.
In Alabama, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. is gaining recognition as a highly regarded defensive back and return specialist, honoring the legacy of his father, Dre Kirkpatrick (Sr.), who had a decade-long NFL career mostly with the Bengals.
As these young athletes rise through the ranks, they bring with them the legacies of their fathers, adding to the rich tapestry of athletic excellence and familial tradition in professional sports. The paths they carve out will not only be a testament to their individual talents but also a tribute to the enduring influence of their storied family names.