In an unprecedented milestone for the NBA, LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, are set to become the first father-son duo to share an NBA court. Should LeBron remain with the Los Angeles Lakers this year, fans will witness this historic event following Bronny's recent draft-day selection. The James family's story is one of legacy, perseverance, and a shared passion for basketball, marking an iconic moment in sports history.
Meanwhile, the NFL continues to be a family affair for many of its athletes. More than a dozen active NFL players have fathers who also enjoyed remarkable careers on the gridiron. There are 16 future NFL prospects with similar direct ties to former greats, creating a rich tapestry of legacy and tradition within the league.
A Family Affair in College Football
Shedeur Sanders has recently transferred to Colorado from Jackson State, where he will now play under his father, Deion Sanders. Known as an eight-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Fame cornerback and return specialist, Deion Sanders has also made a significant impact as Colorado's coach.
E.J. Warner, another prominent figure in college football lineage, transferred from Temple to Rice. His father, Kurt Warner, boasts an illustrious career having won two MVP awards and leading the Rams to a Super Bowl championship to conclude the 1999 season. The expectations are high for E.J. as he follows in his father's formidable footsteps.
Cole Pennington started three games for Marshall in 2023 as an injury replacement, continuing the legacy of his father, Chad Pennington, who carved out a 12-year career with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins and earned the Comeback Player of the Year title twice.
Henry Hasselbeck committed to UCLA after initially planning to attend Michigan State. His father, Matt Hasselbeck, led the Seattle Seahawks from 2001-2010, during which he made three Pro Bowl appearances, further underscoring the long-standing tradition of football dynasties.
Promising New Faces and Proven Pedigrees
Other notable progenies include Eden James, who has been a powerhouse at Howard, averaging more than five yards per carry in each of his first two college seasons. He mirrors the success of his father, Edgerrin James, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020 and ranking just outside the NFL's all-time top-10 rushing list.
E.J. Smith recently transferred to Texas A&M from Stanford. He will look to build on the legacy of his father, Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher who played 13 of his 15 pro seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and won three Super Bowl titles.
In a similar vein, Antonio Gates Jr. made his college debut at Michigan State in 2023 as a redshirt freshman, aiming to follow the path of his namesake, Antonio Gates, one of the most accomplished tight ends in NFL history with 116 touchdown catches.
Cristian Driver shifted his position from defensive back at Penn State to wide receiver with Minnesota, perhaps hoping to channel the adaptability and skill of his father, Donald Driver, who played 14 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, earning four Pro Bowl selections.
Mason Taylor has maintained impressive stats with at least 35 catches in each of his first two seasons at LSU. He continues the athletic lineage of his father, Jason Taylor, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017 after a 15-year career that included six Pro Bowl selections and a Defensive Player of the Year award.
The Next Generation of Greats
Willis McGahee IV is emerging as a top-ranked outside linebacker prospect at Nebraska. This follows his father, Willis McGahee III, who enjoyed an 11-season career as a running back. Devan Kennedy, a new name in the college football scene at Iowa, brings to mind the tenacity of his father, Jimmy Kennedy, a 2003 first-round draft pick who played nine NFL seasons.
Bryce Young has committed to Notre Dame, where he hopes to mirror the success of his father, Bryant Young, who spent 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—an echo of his father, Rodney Harrison, who won two Super Bowls over a 15-year career.
Deion Sanders' influence in the game is further extended by Shilo Sanders, who has transferred from Jackson State to Colorado. Meanwhile, Kennedy Urlacher is establishing his own path at Notre Dame, reminded of the legacy of his father, Brian Urlacher, a Hall of Famer and eight-time Pro Bowler for the Chicago Bears.
The torch is passed yet again with Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., a highly regarded defensive back and return specialist at Alabama. He follows in the footsteps of his father, Dre Kirkpatrick (Sr.), who played ten seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Bengals.
The future of football lies in the hands of these young athletes, their careers undoubtedly influenced by the legacies of their legendary predecessors. As they step onto the field, they carry with them not just their own aspirations but the rich heritage of their celebrated family names. Each game, each season, adds a new chapter to a story that is as old as the game itself – the story of fathers and sons united by their love for football.