LeBron and Bronny James Set to Make History
LeBron James is on the cusp of making NBA history yet again, this time with a remarkable twist: alongside his son, Bronny James. If LeBron remains with the Los Angeles Lakers this season, fans will be treated to the unprecedented sight of the first father-son duo sharing an NBA court. Bronny's recent draft-day selection has brought this potential milestone tantalizingly close.
Yet, the James family isn’t the only one experiencing a multi-generational presence in professional sports. The NFL boasts more than a dozen active players who have fathers known for their remarkable careers on the gridiron. Currently, there are 16 future NFL prospects directly tied to former greats, continuing a proud family tradition of athletic excellence.
Shedeur Sanders and Deion Sanders: A Dynamic Duo at Colorado
Another family making waves is the Sanders. Shedeur Sanders has transferred to Colorado from Jackson State, embracing the opportunity 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. The combination of Shedeur’s burgeoning talent and Deion’s legendary experience is set to draw considerable attention in the upcoming season.
Legacy Players Shaping the Future of College Football
The trend of legacy players extends far beyond the professional leagues. E.J. Warner, following in the footsteps of his father, Kurt Warner, has transferred from Temple to Rice. Kurt Warner, a two-time MVP award-winner and Super Bowl champion with the Rams, has undoubtedly been an inspiring figure for his son, who is carving out his own path in college football.
Similarly, Cole Pennington stepped up as a starting quarterback for Marshall in 2023. His father, Chad Pennington, earned the Comeback Player of the Year title twice during his 12-year career with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins. Henry Hasselbeck is another promising name, having committed to UCLA after initially planning to attend Michigan State. His father, Matt Hasselbeck, was a prominent quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, earning three Pro Bowl appearances between 2001 and 2010.
At Howard University, Eden James is making a significant impact, averaging more than five yards per carry over his first two college seasons. Eden is following the trail blazed by his father, Edgerrin James, a Hall of Famer since 2020 and one of the NFL's all-time top rushers.
E.J. Smith, taking a page from his father Emmitt Smith’s playbook, transferred from Stanford to Texas A&M. Emmitt, the NFL's all-time leading rusher, played 13 of his 15 pro seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, securing three Super Bowl titles. Antonio Gates Jr. made his college debut at Michigan State as a redshirt freshman in 2023, aiming to replicate even a fraction of his father Antonio Gates’s illustrious career, which included 116 touchdown catches.
Rising Stars with Hall of Fame Pedigrees
Transitioning from defensive back to wide receiver, Cristian Driver is broadening his skill set with Minnesota after starting at Penn State. His father, Donald Driver, had a standout 14-year career with the Green Bay Packers, earning four Pro Bowl selections. LSU’s Mason Taylor, whose father Jason Taylor was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017, has also made his mark with more than 35 catches in each of his first two seasons.
Among the top-ranked outside linebacker prospects is Willis McGahee IV, currently making waves at Nebraska. His father, Willis McGahee III, enjoyed an 11-season NFL career as a reliable running back. On the college football scene, Devan Kennedy is a new name to watch at Iowa, carrying on the legacy of his father, Jimmy Kennedy, a 2003 first-round draft pick and nine-season NFL veteran.
Meanwhile, Bryce Young has committed to Notre Dame, inspired by his father Bryant Young’s 14-year career with the San Francisco 49ers, which included a Super Bowl win and four Pro Bowl nods. Tennessee's Christian Harrison is making an impact in special teams, following in the footsteps of his father Rodney Harrison, a two-time Super Bowl champion over a 15-year career.
Shilo Sanders, another member of the Sanders dynasty, has also switched schools, transferring from Jackson State to Colorado. Notre Dame is also where Kennedy Urlacher is taking the field, channeling the prowess of his father Brian Urlacher, a Hall of Fame inductee and eight-time Pro Bowler with the Chicago Bears. Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., a valued defensive back and return specialist at Alabama, continues the legacy of his father Dre Kirkpatrick, who played ten NFL seasons, primarily with the Bengals.
As these young athletes advance, they carry the weight of their fathers' legacies while also forging their own paths. It’s a testament to the enduring influence of familial ties and the timeless allure of sports that these stories continue to captivate and inspire. The coming seasons promise to deepen these narratives, offering both fans and players a unique blend of history and emerging talent on the fields and courts across America.