In a historic moment for basketball fans, LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, are poised to become the first father-son duo to share an NBA court. This unprecedented milestone could unfold if LeBron remains with the Los Angeles Lakers this year following Bronny's recent draft-day selection. Such a moment is anticipated to be a landmark event in the annals of NBA history.
While this dynamic father-son pairing makes waves in the NBA, the NFL is no stranger to generational talent. Over a dozen active NFL players are sons of former gridiron legends, with some notable father-son duos already making headlines.
NFL Legacies Continue
Shedeur Sanders, who transferred to Colorado from Jackson State, will now play under the guidance of his father, Deion Sanders. Deion, an eight-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Fame cornerback and return specialist, has continued to make a significant impact as Colorado's coach. His tenure as a player and now as a coach has solidified his legendary status in both realms.
E.J. Warner follows in the footsteps of his father, Kurt Warner, a two-time MVP awardee who led the Rams to a Super Bowl championship in 1999. E.J. entered the transfer portal, moving from Temple to Rice, furthering the Warner football legacy.
Cole Pennington has also made a name for himself, starting three games for Marshall in 2023 as an injury replacement. His father, Chad Pennington, notched a 12-year career with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, earning the title of Comeback Player of the Year twice.
Henry Hasselbeck, initially heading to Michigan State, committed to UCLA instead. His father, Matt Hasselbeck, led the Seattle Seahawks from 2001 to 2010, garnering three Pro Bowl appearances during his tenure.
College Football: The Next Generation
Among the rising stars in college football, Eden James has been a powerhouse at Howard, averaging more than five yards per carry over his first two 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.
E.J. Smith, son of the NFL's all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith, transferred to Texas A&M from Stanford. Emmitt Smith, who played 13 of his 15 pro seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, clinched three Super Bowl titles, building an illustrious career.
Antonio Gates Jr. introduced himself to college football at Michigan State in 2023 as a redshirt freshman. His father, Antonio Gates, is regarded as one of the best tight ends in NFL history, with 116 touchdown catches to his name.
Another player carving out his own path is Cristian Driver, who switched from a defensive back at Penn State to a wide receiver with Minnesota. His father, Donald Driver, enjoyed a 14-year career with the Green Bay Packers, earning four Pro Bowl selections.
Mason Taylor, at LSU, has been consistent, amassing at least 35 catches in each of his first two seasons. His father, Jason Taylor, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017, following a 15-year career that featured six Pro Bowl selections and a Defensive Player of the Year award.
Willis McGahee IV, a promising outside linebacker, is making a name for himself at Nebraska. His father, Willis McGahee III, had an 11-season tenure as a running back, leaving a significant mark on the field.
New Names and Rising Stars
Devan Kennedy has emerged as a new name in college football at Iowa. He is aiming to follow the path of his father, Jimmy Kennedy, who was a 2003 first-round draft pick and played nine NFL seasons.
Bryce Young's commitment to Notre Dame adds him to the list of football legacies rising in college forums. Bryce’s father, Bryant Young, spent 14 years with the San Francisco 49ers, securing a Super Bowl win alongside four Pro Bowl accolades.
Christian Harrison, who has made an impact in special teams during his college career at Tennessee, is carrying the torch from his father, Rodney Harrison, who won two Super Bowls over his 15-year career.
Shilo Sanders has followed a similar path to his brother Shedeur, transferring from Jackson State to Colorado, continuing the Sanders' strong football lineage under the watchful eye of their father, Deion Sanders.
Kennedy Urlacher is carving out his own legacy at Notre Dame. His father, Brian Urlacher, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018, was an eight-time Pro Bowler for the Chicago Bears.
Lastly, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. is a highly regarded defensive back and return specialist at Alabama. His father, Dre Kirkpatrick Sr., had a decade-long NFL career primarily with the Bengals, marking their family's lasting impact on the sport.
This convergence of generational talent underscores a fascinating aspect of pro sports, where athletic prowess and dedication often run deep within familial lines. With numerous father-son duos making headlines across professional leagues, these legacies will continue to enrich the competitive spirit and narrative of the sports world.