A Historic NBA Milestone
LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, are on the cusp of achieving an unprecedented milestone in NBA history. If LeBron remains with the Los Angeles Lakers for this season, fans will witness the first father-son duo to share an NBA court, following Bronny's recent draft-day selection. This event not only highlights LeBron's enduring legacy but also ushers in a new era for the James family in professional basketball.
Legacy Carried Over in the NFL
The phenomenon of familial legacy isn't confined to the NBA. More than a dozen active NFL players have fathers who left a significant mark on the gridiron. There are 16 future NFL prospects directly linked to former greats, emphasizing the influence of family ties in professional sports.
Shedeur Sanders, who transferred to Colorado from Jackson State, will now play under his father, Deion Sanders. The elder Sanders, an eight-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Fame cornerback and return specialist, continues to make a substantial impact as Colorado's coach, guiding his son and shaping the next generation of talent.
Success Runs in the Family
E.J. Warner, another promising player, transferred from Temple to Rice. His father, Kurt Warner, is a legend in his own right, having won two MVP awards and leading the Rams to a Super Bowl championship at the conclusion of the 1999 season. Similarly, Cole Pennington has begun to make his mark, starting three games for Marshall in 2023 as an injury replacement. His father, Chad Pennington, enjoyed a 12-year career with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, earning 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 to 2010, making three Pro Bowl appearances.
At Howard, Eden James has been a powerhouse, averaging more than five yards per carry in each of his first two college seasons, mirroring the success of his father, Edgerrin James. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020, Edgerrin ranks just outside the NFL's all-time top-10 rushing list.
E.J. Smith, having transferred to Texas A&M from Stanford, follows in the footsteps of his father, Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher. Emmitt Smith played 13 of his 15 pro seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, winning three Super Bowl titles.
Bundles of Talented Bloodlines
Antonio Gates Jr. made his college debut at Michigan State in 2023 as a redshirt freshman. His father, Antonio Gates, ranks among the most accomplished tight ends in NFL history, with 116 touchdown catches to his name.
Cristian Driver, after initially playing as a defensive back at Penn State, converted to wide receiver with Minnesota. His father, Donald Driver, played 14 years with the Green Bay Packers, securing four Pro Bowl selections. Mason Taylor, who had at least 35 catches in each of his first two seasons at LSU, is making his own mark with the same determination seen in his father, Jason Taylor. Jason's illustrious 15-year career included six Pro Bowl selections and a Defensive Player of the Year award.
Willis McGahee IV is a top-ranked outside linebacker prospect at Nebraska, following in the footsteps of his father, Willis McGahee III, who had an 11-season career as a running back. Meanwhile, emerging talents like Devan Kennedy at Iowa hint at the same potential seen in his father, Jimmy Kennedy, a 2003 first-round draft pick who played nine NFL seasons.
Future Stars to Watch
Bryce Young has committed to Notre Dame, ready to build on the legacy 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, much like his father, Rodney Harrison, who won two Super Bowls over a stellar 15-year career.
Shilo Sanders, like his brother, has transferred from Jackson State to Colorado. Additionally, Kennedy Urlacher is establishing himself at Notre Dame, continuing the legacy of his father, Brian Urlacher, an eight-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Fame inductee in 2018.
Finally, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. has become a highly regarded defensive back and return specialist at Alabama, reminiscent of his father, Dre Kirkpatrick Sr., who played ten seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Bengals.
The enduring legacy of athletic excellence passed from parent to child continues to shape the future of professional sports. These young athletes, carrying the torch of their illustrious fathers, promise to entertain and inspire the next generation.