LeBron and Bronny James Set to Make NBA History
The NBA is poised for a historic moment as LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, are positioned to become the first father-son duo to share the court. If LeBron remains with the Los Angeles Lakers for the upcoming season, this unprecedented milestone will be realized, following Bronny's recent draft-day selection.
Families with Gridiron Legacy
Legacy is a theme that runs deep in professional sports, particularly in the NFL. More than a dozen active NFL players have fathers who enjoyed remarkable careers. Currently, there are 16 future NFL prospects with direct connections to former greats, creating a fascinating continuity in the sport's storied history.
Shedeur Sanders is one such player, transferring from Jackson State to Colorado to play under the guidance of his father, Deion Sanders. Deion, an eight-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Fame cornerback and return specialist, continues to make a significant impact as Colorado's coach. Similarly, E.J. Warner made a notable move, transferring from Temple to Rice. His father, Kurt Warner, won two MVP awards and led the Rams to a Super Bowl championship to conclude the 1999 season.
Next Generation of NFL Talents
The next wave of NFL talent includes Henry Hasselbeck, who committed to UCLA after initially planning to attend Michigan State. Henry is the son of Matt Hasselbeck, who led the Seattle Seahawks to three Pro Bowl appearances from 2001-2010. Cole Pennington is another promising player, starting three games for Marshall in 2023 as an injury replacement. His father, Chad Pennington, had a 12-year career with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, earning the Comeback Player of the Year title twice.
Continuing the family tradition is Eden James, a powerhouse at Howard, averaging more than five yards per carry in each of his first two college seasons. Eden's 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.
Transfer Moves and Fresh Starts
Transfers are common in college sports, often positioning players for prime opportunities. E.J. Smith transferred to Texas A&M from Stanford, looking to make his mark like his father, Emmitt Smith, who is the NFL's all-time leading rusher. Emmitt played 13 of his 15 professional seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, winning three Super Bowl titles.
Antonio Gates Jr., another name to watch, 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, boasting 116 touchdown catches. Meanwhile, Cristian Driver initially played as a defensive back at Penn State but has now converted to wide receiver with Minnesota, following in the footsteps of his father, Donald Driver, who had a 14-year career with the Green Bay Packers.
New Names and Familiar Pedigrees
Several players bear the weight of their famous last names as they carve out their own paths. Willis McGahee IV, a top-ranked outside linebacker prospect at Nebraska, inherits a rich legacy from his father, Willis McGahee III, who enjoyed an 11-season career as a running back. Devan Kennedy is making his name known in college football at Iowa, with roots tracing back to his father, Jimmy Kennedy, a 2003 first-round draft pick who played nine NFL seasons.
Bryce Young, committed to Notre Dame, is another promising talent. His father, Bryant Young, spent 14 years with the San Francisco 49ers, winning a Super Bowl and earning four Pro Bowl nods. Similarly, Christian Harrison is making an impact in special teams during his college career at Tennessee, following the exemplary path of his father, Rodney Harrison, a two-time Super Bowl champion over a 15-year career.
A Continuing Tradition
The trend of NFL legacies extends with Shilo Sanders transferring from Jackson State to Colorado, where he once again plays under his father, Deion Sanders. Further illustrating the generational talent is Kennedy Urlacher, establishing himself at Notre Dame, reminiscent of his father, Brian Urlacher, an eight-time Pro Bowler for the Chicago Bears and Hall of Fame inductee in 2018.
Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. also carries forward his family's legacy as a highly regarded defensive back and return specialist at Alabama. His father, Dre Kirkpatrick Sr., played ten seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Bengals, adding to the rich tapestry of football legacies proudly advancing through the next generation.