LeBron and Bronny James are on the Verge of an NBA Milestone
The basketball world is abuzz with excitement as LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, are poised to make history as the first father-son duo to share an NBA court. If LeBron, who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, stays with the team this year, fans will witness this unprecedented milestone following Bronny's recent draft-day selection. The anticipation is palpable as this event could redefine the narrative of family legacies in professional sports.
The NFL's Rich Tapestry of Family Legacies
While the NBA is on the cusp of a unique father-son moment, the NFL has long embraced the concept of sporting dynasties. More than a dozen active NFL players have fathers who carved out remarkable careers on the gridiron. There are 16 promising NFL prospects who are following in the footsteps of their legendary fathers, eager to make their mark.
An intriguing example is Shedeur Sanders, who transferred to Colorado from Jackson State to play under his father, Deion Sanders. Deion, an eight-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Fame cornerback and return specialist, continues to influence the game significantly as Colorado’s coach. Shedeur's decision to join his father at Colorado adds an emotional and tactical depth to their family legacy within football.
Another notable transfer is E.J. Warner, who moved from Temple to Rice. E.J. carries a heavy legacy as the son of Kurt Warner, a two-time MVP and Super Bowl champion with the Rams. Kurt Warner’s storied career sets a high bar, but E.J. is determined to forge his own path and honor his family's contribution to the sport.
On the collegiate scene, Cole Pennington stepped up for Marshall in 2023, making three starts as an injury replacement. His father, Chad Pennington, enjoyed a distinguished 12-year NFL career with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, earning the Comeback Player of the Year title twice. This legacy of resilience and excellence is clearly evident in Cole's determination and performance on the field.
In a notable shift, Henry Hasselbeck, who initially planned to attend Michigan State, has now committed to UCLA. His father, Matt Hasselbeck, was a stalwart quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks from 2001 to 2010, earning three Pro Bowl appearances. Henry’s choice signals a new chapter in the Hasselbeck family's football saga.
Meanwhile, Eden James is making his presence felt at Howard, averaging over five yards per carry during his first two college seasons. He carries the legacy of his father, Edgerrin James, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020 and remains just outside the NFL's all-time top-10 rushing list. Eden is showing early signs of continuing the family tradition of excellence.
Transitions and Fresh Starts
The theme of legacy and renewed beginnings continues with E.J. Smith, who transferred to Texas A&M from Stanford. He is the son of Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher. Emmitt played 13 of his 15 pro seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, securing three Super Bowl titles. E.J.’s journey reflects the ongoing legacy of determination and success in the Smith family.
Antonio Gates Jr., who made his college debut at Michigan State in 2023 as a redshirt freshman, is another name to watch. His father, Antonio Gates, is one of the NFL’s most accomplished tight ends, holding 116 touchdown catches to his name. The young Gates is striving to build on this formidable legacy.
Across different positions and schools, players like Cristian Driver and Mason Taylor are carving out their paths. Cristian, who initially played as a defensive back at Penn State, has converted to wide receiver with Minnesota, following the footsteps of his father, Donald Driver, who played 14 years with the Green Bay Packers. Mason Taylor, who had at least 35 catches in each of his first two seasons at LSU, inherits a legacy from his father, Jason Taylor, a Hall of Famer and six-time Pro Bowler.
The Next Generation
Willis McGahee IV is emerging as a top-ranked outside linebacker prospect at Nebraska, carrying the torch passed down by his father, Willis McGahee III, who enjoyed an 11-season career as a running back. Similarly, Devan Kennedy is making his name known in the college football scene at Iowa, where he aims to follow the first-round pedigree of his father, Jimmy Kennedy.
In a testament to football legacies extending beyond college, Bryce Young has committed to Notre Dame, echoing the success of his father, Bryant Young, a 14-year veteran with the San Francisco 49ers. Bryant won a Super Bowl and earned four Pro Bowl nods during his impressive career.
Special Teams and New Roles
Christian Harrison is contributing significantly on special teams during his college stint at Tennessee, mirroring the impactful career of his father, Rodney Harrison, a two-time Super Bowl champion. Shilo Sanders’s transfer from Jackson State to Colorado adds another layer to Deion Sanders’s family legacy, strengthening their bond and influence in football.
Lastly, Kennedy Urlacher is making his name at Notre Dame, striving to emulate the defensive prowess of his father, Brian Urlacher, an eight-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer for the Chicago Bears. And Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. is gaining recognition as a defensive back and return specialist at Alabama, following the path of his father, Dre Kirkpatrick Sr., who played ten seasons in the NFL.
As these athletes carry forward their family legacies, they not only honor the past but also inspire the future. The spirit of athletic excellence seems to be an enduring family trait, creating a fascinating narrative across generations in both the NBA and NFL.