The world of sports has always been a fertile ground for familial legacies, and the current landscape is no exception. Icons of past generations now watch their progeny make their own marks, continuing storied traditions in arenas and stadiums nationwide.
NBA’s Historic Milestone: LeBron and Bronny
Imagine the electrifying moment when LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, step onto the NBA court together. This could soon be a reality if LeBron stays with the Los Angeles Lakers this year, marking the first time in NBA history that a father-son duo shares the court. With Bronny’s recent draft selection, this unprecedented milestone is on the horizon, creating a buzz that echoes through the annals of the sport.
NFL Descendants Carving Their Paths
The NFL too is brimming with second-generation talent. Over a dozen active players have fathers who graced the gridiron with remarkable careers, while 16 emerging prospects carry the legacies of former greats.
Take Shedeur Sanders, who transferred to Colorado from Jackson State. Under the tutelage of his father, Deion Sanders, an eight-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Fame cornerback, Shedeur is poised to shine. Deion's impact continues to resonate, now as Colorado’s coach.
E.J. Warner, following in the footsteps of his father, Kurt Warner—a two-time MVP who led the Rams to a Super Bowl championship in 1999—has moved from Temple to Rice, hoping to forge his own legacy.
Chad Pennington’s son, Cole Pennington, started three games for Marshall in 2023, stepping in as an injury replacement. Chad, known for his 12-year career with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, earned the Comeback Player of the Year title twice, setting a high bar for his son.
Then there’s Henry Hasselbeck, who initially planned to attend Michigan State but committed to UCLA. His father, Matt Hasselbeck, led the Seattle Seahawks from 2001 to 2010, earning three Pro Bowl appearances along the way.
Rising Stars On The Gridiron
Eden James has emerged as a powerhouse at Howard, averaging over five yards per carry in each of his first two college 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 transferred to Texas A&M from Stanford, following the legendary footsteps of his father, Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher with three Super Bowl titles with the Dallas Cowboys.
Another name to watch is Antonio Gates Jr., who made his college debut at Michigan State in 2023 as a redshirt freshman. His father, Antonio Gates, is one of the most accomplished tight ends in NFL history with 116 touchdown catches.
Cristian Driver has shifted from a defensive back position at Penn State to wide receiver at Minnesota, emulating his father Donald Driver, who played 14 years with the Green Bay Packers and earned four Pro Bowl selections.
Mason Taylor at LSU has maintained a consistent performance with at least 35 catches in each of his first two seasons. His father, Jason Taylor, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017 after a stellar 15-year career.
Willis McGahee IV, touted as a top-ranked outside linebacker prospect at Nebraska, follows the path blazed by his father, Willis McGahee III, who enjoyed an 11-season career as a running back.
A New Generation Emerging
Devan Kennedy is making a name for himself at Iowa. His father, Jimmy Kennedy, was a first-round draft pick in 2003 who played nine NFL seasons. Meanwhile, Bryce Young has committed to Notre Dame, carrying the legacy of his father, Bryant Young, who won a Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers and earned four Pro Bowl nods during his 14-year career.
Christian Harrison, excelling in special teams at Tennessee, echoes the illustrious career of his father, Rodney Harrison, a two-time Super Bowl winner. Similarly, Shilo Sanders, another product of Jackson State under his father, has transferred to Colorado, where his brother Shedeur also plays.
Lastly, Kennedy Urlacher is showing promise at Notre Dame, following in the footsteps of his father, Brian Urlacher, who was an eight-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Fame inductee in 2018. Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., a standout defensive back and return specialist at Alabama, mirrors his father Dre Kirkpatrick (Sr.), who had a decade-long career in the NFL.
The legacy of sports greatness continues to thrive through these rising stars. With every touchdown, catch, and milestone, they honor and extend the rich tapestries woven by their fathers, adding their own chapters to the history of their respective sports.