Top Father-Son Teams in the Sports Arena

LeBron James and Bronny James

LeBron James has shattered many records throughout his impressive career spanning over 20 years. Although he continues to aim for Michael Jordan's championship legacy, he has already surpassed Jordan in various other statistical categories.

Among the incredible records LeBron has achieved during his career are:

• • All-time points scored – 50,000+ points
  • All-time minutes played – 71,104+ minutes
  • Most total games played – 1,854+ games
  • Longest streak of consecutive scoring games in a regular season – 1,562 games
  • Longest streak of consecutive games scoring at least 10 points in a regular season – over 1,300 games

LeBron's streak of scoring at least 10 points in regular season games has been ongoing since the 2007 season. He also boasts four championships and reached the finals every year from 2011 to 2018.

As LeBron approached the latter part of his career, one of his aspirations was to take the court alongside his sons. The basketball community had high hopes for LeBron James Jr., often nicknamed Bronny, to be selected in the draft despite uncertainties regarding his skill set, and these expectations came to fruition. best NBA betting sites The Lakers selected LeBron's son in the draft, and they made history by playing together during the 2024-2025 season.

LeBron and Bronny stepped onto the court as a duo

during their opening game of the season against Minnesota, making them the first-ever father-son pair to achieve this feat. However, Bronny would primarily spend the rest of the season in the G League. Although LeBron's influence helped secure his son’s drafting, Bronny has yet to consistently earn playing time at the NBA level. The Curry family represents another illustrious name in the NBA, with numerous accolades to their credit. It all began with Dell Curry, who was active in the league from 1986 until 2002.

Verdict: Nepotism

Dell, Steph, and Seth Curry

Throughout his 19 seasons, Dell played for five different NBA teams, including Utah, Cleveland, Charlotte, Milwaukee, and Toronto. He was chosen as the 15th overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft and earned the NBA Sixth Man of the Year honor in 1994.

A young Steph and Seth Curry eagerly watching their dad participate in the 1994 three-point shooting competition 📼

While Dell was a dependable role player, his greatest contributions to the league were arguably his two sons, Stephen and Seth. Steph is renowned as the greatest three-point shooter in history and has significantly transformed the modern style of basketball. pic.twitter.com/o4MljLq9lr

— Fastbreak Hoops (@FastbreakHoops5) April 27, 2025

Steph’s illustrious career achievements include:

The accomplishments continue for the older Curry sibling. His most recent championship victory came in 2022 when he guided the Warriors to defeat the Celtics. He also had several teammates who are second-generation stars, emulating the likes of Klay Thompson (son of Mychal Thompson) and Gary Payton II (son of Gary Payton).

• • 4x NBA champion
  • 2x NBA MVP
  • 1st unanimous MVP in NBA history
  • 11x NBA All-Star
  • 11x All-NBA team selection
  • Most 3-pointers made all-time (4,058)

Meanwhile, his younger brother, Seth, has also built a commendable career in the NBA. Although he went undrafted in 2013, Seth established a solid reputation across various teams.

Throughout his decade-plus career, Seth has suited up for teams such as Memphis, Cleveland, Phoenix, Sacramento, and Dallas. His familial connections undoubtedly provided him with opportunities in the league, but like his brother Steph, he capitalized on his talent to thrive in these situations.

Last but not least, we have the Brunsons, another standout father-son duo in the NBA landscape. Rick Brunson entered the league as an undrafted player in 1995, but that didn’t deter him from chasing his NBA aspirations.

Verdict: Talent

Rick and Jalen Brunson

After spending two years playing overseas, Rick signed with the Portland Trailblazers in 1998. The following season, he joined the Knicks, contributing to their journey into the Eastern Conference Finals. Rick went on to play for several other teams, including Boston, Chicago, Toronto, and Houston, throughout his career.

He wrapped up his playing days in 2006 and transitioned to coaching the following season. Rick has served as a coach for numerous NBA franchises, including Denver, Chicago, Charlotte, and Minnesota. He currently holds the position of assistant coach with the Knicks.

His son Jalen was picked by the Mavericks in 2018. Jalen played a pivotal role in Dallas’s journey to the Western Conference Finals in 2022, but the team opted not to extend his contract. Shortly thereafter, Brunson signed with the Knicks, merely ten days after New York appointed his father as an assistant coach.

Interestingly, Rick and Jalen are not unique in being the first father-son coach-player pair; that title goes to

Since joining the Knicks, Jalen has significantly contributed to the team's multiple playoff appearances, including their run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2025. Throughout his career, he has set nearly a dozen franchise records, including most consecutive playoff games scoring 20 points (20) and most playoff games scoring 40 points (8). Doc and Austin Rivers , who achieved it in 2015.

The NFL has also seen its fair share of iconic father-son pairings in sports. This trend was particularly showcased when two of Deion Sanders’ sons entered the professional landscape.

Verdict: Talent

Deion, Shedeur, and Shilo Sanders

Achieving recognition as one of the top defensive players in NFL history wasn’t his only feat; he also played in MLB for nine seasons, making his debut with the Yankees on May 31, 1989. During his baseball career, he recorded a .263 batting average, 39 home runs, 168 RBIs, and 186 stolen bases.

Following the end of his playing career, Deion transitioned into coaching, focusing particularly on his two sons, Shedeur and Shilo. He has guided the two since 2017, accompanying them on their collegiate journey from Jackson State to Colorado.

• • 2x Super Bowl champion
  • 1994 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
  • 6x NFL 1st-Team All-Pro
  • 8x NFL Pro Bowler
  • 1990s All-Decade team
  • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

Both sons entered the 2025 NFL Draft following a successful 9-4 season at Colorado. With Deion remaining as the head coach at Colorado, Shilo and Shedeur will embark on their new journeys under different coaching staffs in the NFL this season.

Shilo was not picked in the draft but secured a position as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Meanwhile, Shedeur garnered a lot of pre-draft attention.

Despite some speculation and much enthusiasm from fans, he was eventually drafted by the Cleveland Browns. Both Shilo and Shedeur will need to prove themselves for roster spots as they enter their first NFL seasons.

Patrick Mahomes and Patrick Mahomes II

One striking example of a victorious father-son duo across different sports is Patrick \"Pat\" Mahomes and his son, Patrick Mahomes II. NFL betting sites projecting Shedeur as a top-10 pick, he slid to the fifth round Pat was selected by Minnesota during the 1988 MLB Draft, but he wouldn’t take the mound until the 1992 season. A right-handed pitcher, Pat’s decade-long MLB career saw him play for six teams, securing a record of 42 wins to 39 losses, a 5.47 ERA, and 452 strikeouts.

Verdict: Too early to tell

Pat Mahomes, the father, is the progenitor of future Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.

--- Baseball’s Greatest Moments (@BBGreatMoments)

In 2017, Patrick Mahomes II was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs. After spending most of his rookie year on the sidelines, he stepped into the starting quarterback role in 2018.

Since then, Patrick has achieved incredible success, including a host of remarkable accolades: pic.twitter.com/6JBQj1lSUQ

Widely regarded as one of the best active quarterbacks in the NFL, the younger Mahomes has silenced any whispers of nepotism with his outstanding play and unique skill set—attributes that have undoubtedly been shaped by his father's baseball background. December 17, 2024

Nepo... who are we kidding, it's obviously skill and hard work.

While having an NFL legend as a father doesn’t guarantee a son will surpass that success, one contemporary example of a son who hasn't quite matched the family legacy is Asante Samuel Jr.

• • 3x Super Bowl champion
  • 3x Super Bowl MVP
  • 2x NFL MVP
  • —

Asante Samuel Sr. was a premier defensive back of his time, selected in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Patriots, a team enjoying a dynasty phase. Samuel Sr. spent five successful years in New England, winning two Super Bowl titles.

Jun 12th, 2025 6:54am EDTHis additional notable career achievements include:

Notable NBA Father-Son Duos

Recognition in the New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team.

Samuel Jr. entered the 2021 NFL Draft as a highly regarded prospect, benefitting from his father's legacy. However, even without those connections, his own successful collegiate career, highlighted by First-Team All-ACC honors in 2020, would have positioned him as a top contender.

He was chosen by the LA Chargers in the second round. Unfortunately, Samuel Jr. has yet to meet the expectations placed upon him.

• • LeBron James and Bronny James
  • All-time points scored
  • – 50,000+ points
  • All-time minutes played – 71,104+ minutes
  • Most total games played – 1,854+ games
  • After participating in 50 games with the Chargers, he recorded six interceptions, defended 37 passes, recovered one fumble, and made 176 tackles. The Chargers opted not to renew Samuel Jr.'s contract, leaving him a free agent looking for a new team as the 2025 season approaches.
  • best NBA betting sites

Marvin Harrison and Marvin Harrison Jr.

Continuing with examples of star athletes from the 2000s, Marvin Harrison Sr. and his son Marvin Harrison Jr. represent another father-son legacy in professional sports.

Marvin Harrison Sr. and Marvin Harrison Jr.

LeBron James and Bronny Verdict:

Drafted by the Colts in 1996, Harrison Sr.'s career really took off with the arrival of Peyton Manning in 1998. That season marked his first selection to an All-Pro team and also earned him Pro Bowl honors.

Some of Harrison Sr.'s significant NFL achievements include:

Following an outstanding college career, which earned him two First-team All-Big selections and the prestigious Biletnikoff Award in 2023, Harrison Jr. announced his entry into the NFL Draft, where he was selected fourth overall by the Cardinals in 2024.

In his rookie season, Harrison Jr. posted the following impressive statistics:

• • Nepotism
  • Dell, Steph, and Seth Curry
  • pic.twitter.com/o4MljLq9lr
  • — Fastbreak Hoops (@FastbreakHoops5)
  • April 27, 2025
  • 4x NBA champion
  • 2x NBA MVP
  • 1st unanimous MVP in NBA history

Although he may not have claimed the title of best rookie receiver, Harrison Jr. faced the challenge of playing for the Cardinals, much like his father, whose early career was also impacted by less-than-ideal quarterback situations.

Iconic Father-Son Partnerships in Sports: Is it Skill or Favoritism?

Understanding Betting Systems: An Introductory Guide for Beginners

• • 11x NBA All-Star
  • 11x All-NBA team selection
  • Most 3-pointers made all-time (4,058)

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Verdict: Talent

Rick and Jalen Brunson

Top Father-Son Partnerships in Sports

Top Father-Son Partnerships in Sports

• • Rick and Jalen Brunson
  • Doc and Austin Rivers
  • , who achieved it in 2015.
  • Verdict:
  • Talent

Relationships between fathers and sons in the realm of sports create captivating stories that delve deeper than the game itself, often raising questions about the balance between innate talent and favoritism.

In celebration of Father’s Day, I've curated a selection of the most significant father-son duos in the sporting world. To qualify for this list, at least one individual from each pair, generally the son, must currently be actively involved in professional sports.

Additionally, I will express my perspective on whether the sons' success is attributed to their inherent abilities or if it stems from their famous fathers' influence.

Famous NFL Father-Son Duos2025 NFL Draft

With over 20 years in the league, LeBron James has shattered numerous records. Although he continues to strive for championships to rival Michael Jordan, he has surpassed him in many other statistics.

Among the extraordinary records LeBron has achieved throughout his career are:

The highest number of consecutive regular-season games scoring – 1,562 games.

• • 2x Super Bowl champion
  • 1994 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
  • 6x NFL 1st-Team All-Pro

The highest number of consecutive regular-season games with at least 10 points – surpassing 1,300 games.

LeBron's streak of scoring 10 or more points in regular season games began in 2007. He has also claimed four championships and reached the finals every year from 2011 to 2018.

As LeBron entered the later years of his career, he aimed to play alongside his sons. This

• • 8x NFL Pro Bowler
  • 1990s All-Decade team
  • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • Deion, Shedeur, and Shilo Sanders

anticipated the drafting of LeBron “Bronny” James Jr., despite some skepticism regarding his potential, which indeed came to fruition.

The Lakers selected LeBron's son, and the father-son duo made their debut together in the 2024-2025 season. NFL betting sites projecting Shedeur as a top-10 pick, he

slid to the fifth round Verdict:

LeBron and Bronny shared the court

during the season's opener against Minnesota, making history as the first father-son duo to compete together. Unfortunately, Bronny spent the majority of the season in the G League, and despite LeBron's influence that secured his son's draft entry, Bronny's performance has yet to translate into significant NBA playing time.

The Curry family stands out as another prominent household in the NBA, boasting a collection of championships. The journey began with Dell Curry, who played in the league from 1986 to 2002.

Too early to tell pic.twitter.com/6JBQj1lSUQ

December 17, 2024 3x Super Bowl champion

3x Super Bowl MVP 2x NFL MVP Across his 19-year career, Dell represented five different NBA teams, including Utah, Cleveland, Charlotte, Milwaukee, and Toronto. He was selected as the 15th overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft and earned the Sixth Man of the Year award in 1994.

A young Steph and Seth Curry cheer on their father at the 1994 three-point shootout 📼

Though he was a dependable role player, Dell's most noteworthy legacy in the NBA lies in his sons, Stephen and Seth. Steph has established himself as the greatest three-point shooter in history and played a significant role in redefining modern basketball.

Some highlights of Steph’s impressive career include:

Verdict: Nepotism

pic.twitter.com/o4MljLq9lr

Seth, the younger brother, has also enjoyed a commendable NBA career. Despite going undrafted in 2013, he has managed to find his footing with various teams.

During his 10+ years in the league, Seth has represented multiple franchises, including Memphis, Cleveland, Phoenix, Sacramento, and Dallas. While his family ties may have opened doors, just like his brother Steph, Seth has proven his worth through his individual skills.

Last but certainly not least, we have the Brunsons, who represent another impressive father-son duo in the NBA. Rick Brunson went undrafted in 1995, but he persevered in his dream of making it to the league.

After spending two years playing overseas, Rick signed with the Portland Trail Blazers in 1998. The following year, he joined the Knicks, contributing to the team's advancement to the Eastern Conference Finals. Throughout his NBA journey, Rick played for several teams, including Boston, Chicago, Toronto, and Houston.

He played his final season in the league in 2006 and transitioned into coaching the next year. Since then, he has served as a coach for numerous NBA teams, such as Denver, Chicago, Charlotte, and Minnesota. Currently, Rick is an assistant coach with the Knicks.

His son Jalen was selected by the Mavericks in the 2018 draft. Jalen played a crucial role in helping Dallas reach the Western Conference Finals in 2022, but the team chose not to extend his contract. Soon after, Brunson joined the Knicks, just ten days after New York appointed his father as an assistant coach.

April 27, 20254x NBA champion

1st unanimous MVP in NBA history

Since joining the Knicks, Jalen has been instrumental in leading the team through several playoff campaigns, making it to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2025. He's also set numerous team records, such as the most consecutive playoff games with 20 or more points (20) and the most playoff games scoring 40 points or more (8).

The NFL has also showcased outstanding father-son duos. A notable instance occurred when two of Deion Sanders’ sons entered the league simultaneously.

In the 1990s, Deion Sanders was among the most elite athletes. He was selected by the Falcons during the 1989 draft and quickly earned a reputation as one of the league's top defensive players. 11x NBA All-Star

11x All-NBA team selection Most 3-pointers made all-time (4,058)

Some of the accolades from “Neon” Deion’s illustrious career include:

• • Verdict:
  • Talent
  • Rick and Jalen Brunson
  • Rick and Jalen Brunson
  • Doc and Austin Rivers
  • , who achieved it in 2015.
  • Verdict:
  • Talent

Not only was Deion a phenomenal defender, but he also played in Major League Baseball for nine seasons, debuting with the Yankees on May 31, 1989. Over his career, he hit .263, with 39 home runs, 168 RBIs, and 186 stolen bases.

After retiring as a player, Deion transitioned into coaching. He focused on mentoring his two sons, Shedeur and Shilo. Deion has coached them since 2017, first at Jackson State and now at Colorado.

Famous NFL Father-Son Duos2025 NFL Draft

Deion, Shedeur, and Shilo Sanders

Both sons declared for the 2025 NFL Draft following a successful 9-4 season at Colorado. Since Deion will remain as head coach in Colorado, Shedeur and Shilo will be starting their journeys with new teams in the NFL this year.

Shilo went undrafted but signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent. In contrast, anticipated pre-draft excitement surrounded Shedeur.

However, despite some analysts' skepticism and the opinions of many fans,

he was chosen by the Cleveland team. Both sons will need to demonstrate their skills to secure a place on the rosters of their respective teams in their rookie seasons.

Patrick Mahomes and Patrick Mahomes II

1994 NFL Defensive Player of the Year6x NFL 1st-Team All-Pro

1990s All-Decade team

Pat was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 1988 MLB Draft, yet he only made his major league debut in 1992. As a right-handed pitcher, he played for six MLB teams during his decade-long career, achieving a record of 42-39 with a 5.47 ERA and 452 strikeouts.

• • Pat Mahomes is also the father of NFL Super Bowl quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.
  • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • Deion, Shedeur, and Shilo Sanders
  • NFL betting sites

-- Baseball’s Greatest Moments (@BBGreatMoments)

In 2017, Patrick Mahomes II was picked by Kansas City. After largely observing from the sidelines during his rookie year, he stepped into the starting role for the Chiefs in 2018.

Since assuming the starting position, Patrick has accomplished a remarkable series of feats:

The younger Mahomes is generally regarded as one of the top active quarterbacks in the NFL today. Patrick's achievements and the fact that he plays a different sport have helped dispel any claims of favoritism. Nonetheless, his father's baseball background has undeniably played a significant role in shaping his innovative passing style in football.

Nepo… who are we kidding, it’s all about talent here.

projecting Shedeur as a top-10 pick, heslid to the fifth round

Verdict:

It's worth noting that being the offspring of an accomplished NFL player doesn't automatically guarantee a greater level of success. Take Asante Samuel Jr. for example, who hasn't quite managed to match the expectations associated with his family legacy.

Asante Samuel Sr. was a standout defensive back during his era. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft and joined a powerhouse Patriots team that was well-positioned for success. Samuel Sr. enjoyed five fruitful years in New England, securing two Super Bowl victories.

Some highlights from his illustrious career include:

New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
Too early to tell https://t.co/wZJnrCkVjL pic.twitter.com/6JBQj1lSUQ December 17, 2024 3x Super Bowl champion 3x Super Bowl MVP

2x NFL MVP 9 PYG (NFL record)

Samuel Jr. was a highly regarded prospect during the 2021 NFL Draft, partially due to his father's esteemed legacy. Even without his family’s NFL ties, Samuel Jr. would have attracted attention thanks to his remarkable college performance, earning a spot on the 1st-Team All-ACC in 2020.

He was selected in the second round by the Los Angeles Chargers. Unfortunately, the younger Samuel's career hasn't unfolded as many hoped.

Verdict: Asante Samuel and Asante Samuel Jr.

4x NFL Pro Bowler

Marvin Harrison and Marvin Harrison Jr.

Continuing the theme of noteworthy athletes from the 2000s, we have Marvin Harrison Sr. and his son Marvin Harrison Jr. as another excellent example of a father-son duo in professional sports.

Marvin Harrison and Marvin Harrison Jr.

• • 2x NFL interception leader
  • 51 career interceptions
  • New England Patriots All-2000s Team
  • Most pick-sixes in the NFL playoffs (4)
  • Verdict:

Harrison Sr. was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1996, but it wasn't until Peyton Manning joined the team in 1998 that his career truly flourished. The wide receiver made his first All-Pro team in 1999, also earning Pro Bowl honors that year.

Some of Harrison Sr.'s remarkable career accomplishments include:

In 2016, Harrison Sr. received induction into the NFL Hall of Fame. His son, Harrison Jr., made his college debut at Ohio State in 2021 and quickly emerged as a key contributor for the Buckeyes.

NepotismSuper Bowl 41 champion

3x 1st-Team All-Pro

Following a standout collegiate career, complete with two First-team All-Big selections and the 2023 Biletnikoff award, Harrison Jr. declared for the NFL Draft. He was selected fourth overall by the Cardinals in the 2024 draft.

Harrison Jr. recorded the following statistics in his rookie season:

5x 2nd-Team All-Pro 8x Pro Bowler 2x NFL receiving yards leader

2x NFL receptions leader NFL 2000s All-Decade Team

While he may not have been the top-performing rookie wide receiver, Harrison Jr. faced challenges playing with the Cardinals. Similar to his father, he may struggle early in his career due to inconsistent quarterback play.

Top Father-Son Partnerships in Sports

Top Father-Son Partnerships in Sports

2x 1st-Team All-Pro2x 2nd-Team All-Pro