LeBron and Bronny James: Basketball's Next Historic Moment
Anticipation is at an all-time high as LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, approach the potential to become the first father-son duo to share the NBA court. LeBron, one of the greatest players in NBA history, is set to continue with the Los Angeles Lakers this year, setting the stage for this unprecedented milestone should Bronny's recent draft-day selection align with his father’s tenure.
NFL's Family Legacy
Football fans are no strangers to family legacies, with more than a dozen active NFL players having fathers who enjoyed remarkable careers on the gridiron. The league boasts 16 future prospects harboring direct ties to former greats, ensuring that the NFL's storied tradition of familial prowess continues.
Take Shedeur Sanders, for instance, who transferred to Colorado from Jackson State. He now plays under the watchful eye of his father, Deion Sanders, the Hall of Fame cornerback and return specialist who’s also making significant strides as Colorado’s coach. Deion, an eight-time Pro Bowler, continues to leave his mark on the sport, fostering the next generation of talent.
Football Dynasties Continue
E.J. Warner, following in the illustrious footsteps of his father, Kurt Warner, has transferred from Temple to Rice. Kurt, a two-time MVP who led the Rams to a Super Bowl championship in 1999, has undoubtedly set a high bar. Similarly, Cole Pennington started three games for Marshall in 2023 amidst injury disruptions, looking to emulate his father Chad Pennington’s 12-year career with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins.
In another commitment shake-up, Henry Hasselbeck changed his collegiate allegiance from Michigan State to UCLA. His father, Matt Hasselbeck, led the Seattle Seahawks from 2001 to 2010, earning three Pro Bowl appearances along the way.
On the Rise
Eden James has been making waves at Howard University, averaging more than five yards per carry in each of his first two college seasons. He carries the legacy of Edgerrin James, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020, just outside the NFL's all-time top-10 rushing list. Meanwhile, E.J. Smith transferred to Texas A&M from Stanford, aiming to build upon his father's, Emmitt Smith’s, legacy as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher and a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys.
The legacy continues with Antonio Gates Jr., who debuted at Michigan State in 2023 as a redshirt freshman. His father, Antonio Gates, is one of the most celebrated tight ends in NFL history, with an impressive 116 touchdown catches. Likewise, Cristian Driver converted from a defensive back at Penn State to a wide receiver with Minnesota, aspiring to mirror his father Donald Driver’s 14-year tenure with the Green Bay Packers, culminating in four Pro Bowl selections.
New Prospects and Transfers
Up-and-coming talent includes Mason Taylor, who had at least 35 catches in each of his first two seasons at LSU, following the path set by his father Jason Taylor, a Hall of Famer in 2017 after a decorated 15-year career. Willis McGahee IV, a top-ranked outside linebacker prospect at Nebraska, is looking to follow in the footsteps of his father, Willis McGahee III, who enjoyed an 11-season career as a running back.
The narrative continues with Devan Kennedy, a new collegiate prospect at Iowa, whose father, Jimmy Kennedy, was a first-round draft pick in 2003 and played nine NFL seasons. Bryce Young has committed to Notre Dame, aiming to replicate the success of his father, Bryant Young, a 14-year veteran of the San Francisco 49ers blessed with a Super Bowl ring and four Pro Bowl nods.
Christian Harrison’s impact on special teams at Tennessee brings to mind his father's, Rodney Harrison’s, two Super Bowl wins over a stellar 15-year career. Shilo Sanders, transferring from Jackson State to Colorado, joins his sibling Shedeur under their father Deion’s tutelage. Kennedy Urlacher is establishing himself at Notre Dame, capitalizing on the robust legacy of his father Brian Urlacher, who earned eight Pro Bowl selections over his career.
Rounding out these heirs to football royalty is Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., a promising defensive back and return specialist at Alabama. He has monumental shoes to fill, as his father, Dre Kirkpatrick Sr., played ten solid NFL seasons, primarily with the Bengals.
From the basketball court to the football field, the next generation of athletes is not only stepping into their fathers' storied legacies but is also carving out their own paths, adding rich chapters to the narrative of professional sports heritage.