In a remarkable convergence of familial and athletic legacy, the sporting world is set to witness a series of father-son duos making their mark across the NBA and NFL. LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, are on the verge of achieving a historic milestone by becoming the first father-son duo to share an NBA court. As long as LeBron stays with the Los Angeles Lakers this season and with Bronny's recent draft-day selection, fans are poised to see this unprecedented event unfold.
Football Legacies in the NFL
Football, perhaps more than any other sport, bears witness to the continuity of legacy through generations. Currently, more than a dozen active NFL players boast familial ties to former gridiron greats. Sixteen burgeoning NFL prospects also carry the torch of their renowned predecessors.
Shedeur Sanders’ journey is particularly notable. Transferring from Jackson State to Colorado, he will now have the unique opportunity to play under his father, Deion Sanders—an eight-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Fame cornerback and return specialist. Deion continues to craft his legacy off the field as Colorado’s head coach, leveraging his profound understanding and experience in the game.
Similarly, E.J. Warner's trajectory in football is drawing attention. After transferring from Temple to Rice, he carries the distinguished lineage of Kurt Warner, who twice won the MVP award and led the Rams to a Super Bowl championship to conclude the 1999 season.
Carrying the Torch
Other young athletes following their fathers’ impressive careers include Cole Pennington and Henry Hasselbeck. Pennington stepped in as an injury replacement for Marshall in 2023, starting three games. His father, Chad Pennington, enjoyed a substantial 12-year career with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, marked by twice earning the Comeback Player of the Year title.
Henry Hasselbeck, initially set on attending Michigan State, ultimately committed to UCLA. His father, Matt Hasselbeck, led the Seattle Seahawks from 2001 to 2010 and earned three Pro Bowl appearances.
Eden James has emerged as a powerhouse at Howard University, averaging more than five yards per carry in his first two college seasons. He follows in the footsteps of his father, Edgerrin James, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020 and ranks just outside the NFL's all-time top-10 rushing list.
In a similar stride, E.J. Smith transferred to Texas A&M from Stanford, aspiring to emulate the career of his father, Emmitt Smith—the NFL's all-time leading rusher, who played the lion's share of his pro seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, securing three Super Bowl titles.
New Faces, Big Shoes
Notably, Antonio Gates Jr. made his debut at Michigan State as a redshirt freshman in 2023, hoping to reflect the illustrious career of Antonio Gates, one of the most accomplished tight ends in NFL history with 116 touchdown catches. Likewise, Cristian Driver, initially a defensive back at Penn State, converted to wide receiver with Minnesota, chasing the legacy of his father, Donald Driver, who enjoyed a prolific 14-year tenure with the Green Bay Packers, including four Pro Bowl selections.
Mason Taylor’s first two seasons at LSU saw him catching at least 35 passes each year—an echo of his father, Jason Taylor's excellence. The senior Taylor was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017 after a decorated 15-year career that included six Pro Bowl selections and a Defensive Player of the Year award.
Meanwhile, Willis McGahee IV shines as a top-ranked outside linebacker prospect at Nebraska, following a lineage marked by his father, Willis McGahee III's 11-season stint as a running back. Devan Kennedy is also making waves at Iowa, with his father, Jimmy Kennedy, having played nine noteworthy seasons in the NFL.
The New Generation: Carrying Forward a Gridiron Legacy
Bryce Young, committed to Notre Dame, aims to follow the path carved by his father, Bryant Young, who spent 14 illustrious years with the San Francisco 49ers, winning a Super Bowl and earning four Pro Bowl nods. Similarly, Christian Harrison is making his mark in special teams during his college career at Tennessee, reflecting the achievements of his father, Rodney Harrison, whose 15-year career yielded two Super Bowl victories.
Shilo Sanders’ transfer from Jackson State to Colorado presents him with the opportunity to continue playing under his father, Deion Sanders, further intertwining their football legacies. Additionally, names like Kennedy Urlacher, establishing himself at Notre Dame, and Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., a highly regarded defensive back at Alabama, showcase the perpetual cycle of greatness, following in the footsteps of their respective fathers.
These emerging talents in the NFL and NBA highlight the seamless blend of athletic prowess and familial legacy. As they forge their paths in professional sports, they carry with them the weight of their fathers’ achievements and the promise of continuing their storied legacies.