Trending

Athletes’ Children Who Are Following In Their Footsteps

Jennifer Grant 35 min read Sep 7, 2022

There are so many incredible athletes that it can be tough to keep up with them all. Still, plenty of us have our favorites that have earned a special spot in our hearts over the years. Of course, as with any professional, their time on the field has to end at some point.

Just because the legends have retired or are slowing down doesn’t mean that all hope is lost. After all, it seems some talent runs in the family, as there are several athletes’ children who are following in their footsteps.

Shareef O’Neal started his NBA career in 2022 as an undrafted player for the Lakers

Parent: Shaquille O’Neal
Famous for: Basketball
Kid’s profession: Basketball

He might have retired from basketball, but Shaquille O’Neal will forever be one of the biggest names that the sport has ever seen. Even after his professional athletic career was over, O’Neal has remained a part of basketball. He’s since worked as a sports announcer and even dabbled in acting in the years since, but what about his son?

Shareef O’Neal is one of eight of Shaq’s children and has since taken the family’s talents back to the court. It once looked like his career was over before it began, as Shareef needed heart surgery. However, he’s since bounced back stronger than ever, earning a spot as an undrafted player for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.

Ken Griffey Jr. quickly took his dad’s baseball career and forged an incredible one of his own

Parent: Ken Griffey Sr.
Famous for: Baseball
Kid’s profession: Baseball

It comes to something when your talents are so impressive, and your career is so great that you’re a dominating force in the 1970s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. Amazingly, that was precisely what Ken Griffey Sr. managed to achieve during his time in MLB. Here, he was named an All-Star no fewer than three times and played with the biggest teams.

Thankfully, it seems the love for baseball quickly rubbed off on his son, Ken Griffey Jr. Twenty-two years in MLB later, Junior has already earned his spot in the Hall of Fame. To top it off, Junior even played for some of the same teams as his dad - the Seattle Mariners and the Cincinnati Reds.

Peyton and Eli Manning completely overtook their dad’s legacy in the NFL

Parent: Archie Manning
Famous for: Football
Kid’s profession: Football

There are times when athletic parents are the ones with the big careers, and their children always live in the shadows of their mom or dad. Amazingly, the opposite is true for Archie Manning. He was once a quarterback for some major teams in the NFL, including the Minnesota Vikings, the Houston Oilers, and the New Orleans Saints.

Nowadays, the name Manning is mostly associated with Archie’s sons, Peyton and Eli. Quarterback Eli’s career was one of struggling consistency, but he did lead the Giants to two underdog Super Bowl wins. On the other hand, quarterback brother Peyton has often been named as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever after years with the Colts and Broncos.

Klay Thompson continues to play for the Golden State Warriors over a decade later

Parent: Mychal Thompson
Famous for: Basketball
Kid’s profession: Basketball

Playing as a center and forward meant that Mychal Thompson was a top pick for a host of teams throughout his time in the NBA. It all started in the ‘70s and spanned well into the ‘90s, with a pit stop at the Lakers in between. Now, it seems that Mychal’s son, Klay, is enjoying his time in the spotlight.

While his brothers have also broken into the world of sport, it seems Klay might have enjoyed the most success. After all, he was drafted into the NBA in 2011 and has been there ever since. Even 31 months off for an injury wasn’t enough to keep him down, as Klay returned to the Golden State Warriors in January 2022.

Zaire Wade was written out of the 2022 season due to injury but should recover

Parent: Dwyane Wade
Famous for: Basketball
Kid’s profession: Basketball

Believe it or not, but Dwyane Wade only retired from the NBA in 2019 after spending most of his years with the Miami Heat. This means the shooting guard started life in the NBA just one year after welcoming his eldest son, Zaire Wade. Perhaps that’s how Zaire was so inspired to start his own career on the basketball court?

While he’s yet to earn titles such as being a 13-time NBA All-Star, Zaire is snapping at his dad’s heels. So far, he’s played in the NBA G League for the Salt Lake City Stars and is quickly earning a reputation for himself. Sadly, an injury wrote him out early, but Zaire still has plenty of time to bounce back.

Clay Matthews III took the Super Bowl win his father never achieved

Parent: Clay Matthews Jr.
Famous for: Football
Kid’s profession: Football

Although he never secured a Super Bowl win, Clay Matthews Jr. did have quite an impressive career in the NFL as a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns. Clay Jr. even holds one of the top titles for the most tackles on the field, leaving him as one of the best linebackers of all time.

It seems being a linebacker must run in the family, as Clay Matthews III and his brother - Casey Matthews - have both played in the position throughout the years. Clay III joined the NFL in 2009 and played for a decade, but he hasn’t been on the field since 2019. Still, Clay achieved something his dad didn’t: a Super Bowl win.

Cha’iel Johnson is set to become a huge name on the running track

Parent: Chad Johnson
Famous for: Football
Kid’s profession: Running

Having nine children means there was always a good chance that one of Chad Johnson’s children was going to follow in his footsteps. Amazingly, it seems at least two of them have decided a life in athletics could be the way forward. For years, people knew Chad for his time in the NFL with teams like the Patriots and Dolphins.

Now, it seems that Cha’iel Johnson is set to take over the headlines. She’s set to graduate in 2023 and already has a host of achievements under her belt. As well as specializing in the 800-meter race, Cha’iel has also shown a keen interest in boxing and is a natural at soccer. Is there anything she can’t do?

Cameron Jordan followed in his father’s footsteps by remaining faithful to a team in the NFL

Parent: Steve Jordan
Famous for: Football
Kid’s profession: Football

It seems that tight end Steve Jordan found his home in the Minnesota Vikings and was more than comfortable, as he played with the team for 12 years before returning. As if that wasn’t enough, he helped to lead the team to no fewer than six Super Bowls and later turned his attention to working as a civil engineer.

Now, Steve’s son, Cameron Jordan, is continuing the NFL legacy within the family. Seventeen years after his dad retired, Cameron signed up with the New Orleans Saints, and - like his dad - he’s been with the team ever since. The only difference is that Cameron plays as a defensive end and has only seen two Super Bowls so far.

Ron Artest III isn’t as eccentric as his dad, but he’s just as talented at basketball

Parent: Metta Sandiford-Artest
Famous for: Basketball
Kid’s profession: Basketball

Metta World Peace. Metta Sandiford-Artest. However you know him, there’s a good chance plenty of us have heard of the basketball legend throughout the years. After all, he only retired from the court in 2017 and was a part of the Los Angeles Lakers throughout his career. His outspoken and eccentric personality has only boosted Metta as a household name.

While he might not be as eccentric as his dad, Ron Artest III has shown he has just as many talents. He started in the NBA G League in 2021, where he bounced between the Sioux Falls Skyforce and the Delaware Blue Coats. However, 2022 marked a new moment in Ron’s career, as he transferred to the NBL of Canada.

Barry Bonds is the only person to match his father’s records in MLB history

Parent: Bobby Bonds
Famous for: Baseball
Kid’s profession: Baseball

It might come as little surprise that Barry Bonds followed in his father’s footsteps when the Bonds boys were known as the first father-son pairing to have over 1,000 home runs combined. Bobby Bonds started it after earning 30 home runs and steals in one season - a first in baseball. His speed and power really were a winning combination.

The only person to ever match Bobby’s records is his son, Barry. He started playing with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1986 and wound down his career with the Giants in 2007, leaving an incredible legacy in his wake. Although they never played for the same team, Barry and Bobby were often compared to each other for being so impressive.

Luke Walton has transitioned from the court to behind the scenes, just like his dad

Parent: Bill Walton
Famous for: Basketball
Kid’s profession: Basketball

Several people now recognize Bill Walton for his time as a sportscaster. However, things weren’t always that way, as he was once one of the top NBA players of the time. He came out of the gate with an NBA MVP and NBA championship under his belt with the Trail Blazers and continued for a decade before retiring.

Amazingly, this paved the way for his son, Luke Walton, to step in. Luke played an impressive ten seasons with the NBA and took home two NBA championships with the Lakers in that time. Although he retired in 2013, Luke has been coaching various teams since 2011. In fact, he’s now the assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

DK Metcalf signed to the NFL less than a decade after his dad retired

Parent: Terrence Metcalf
Famous for: Football
Kid’s profession: Football

Moving from college football to the NFL isn’t uncommon, but a lot of work still has to go in to ensure someone makes the most of their career. Amazingly, that’s what Terrence Metcalf did from the beginning. After making it into the Chicago Bears, Terrence played for seven seasons before playing as an off-season player and retiring for good.

Thankfully, the world didn’t have to live without a Metcalf on the field for too long. That’s because DK Metcalf, Terrence’s son, is quickly picking up where his dad left off. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks as a wide receiver back in 2019 and has been a part of the team ever since, forging quite the legacy already.

Keyshawn Johnson Jr. has decided to take a break from football to focus on his studies

Parent: Keyshawn Johnson Sr.
Famous for: Football
Kid’s profession: Football

Playing for just one of the Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or New York Jets would be enough for some. What about when you get a spot on all three NFL teams? You go down as a legend, just as Keyshawn Johnson Sr. did when he entered the league in 1996. Now, many wonder about his son.

Keyshawn Johnson Jr. had just about everything he needed to make a career for himself in the NFL. In fact, he even followed his father into the world of college football at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Sadly, Keyshawn Jr. has since decided to transfer to the University of Arizona to focus on his studies, meaning the future is uncertain.

Bol Bol continues to dominate the NBA after joining in 2019

Parent: Manute Bol
Famous for: Basketball
Kid’s profession: Basketball

Standing at seven-foot-seven-inches tall meant that Manute Bol was never going to blend in with the crowd. Playing basketball in college was just the beginning for the star, who quickly found himself drafted into the NBA. He remained here for a decade before Manute retired to work as a human rights activist in his home nation of Sudan.

Sadly, Manute passed away in 2010 at 47 years old, but his son has continued his legacy. As well as playing alongside Shareef O’Neal, Bol Bol has also been named as one of the best players in his class. Now, Bol spends his time as a part of the Orlando Magic, having joined the NBA in 2019.

Prince Fielder and his dad still hold the MLB record for a father-son duo

Parent: Cecil Fielder
Famous for: Baseball
Kid’s profession: Baseball

Few players earn a reputation for being a power hitter. Still, that’s precisely what happened to Cecil Fielder during his career in the 1980s and ‘90s. The batsman played for some incredible teams throughout the years, including the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers. Sadly, Cecil’s career came to an end in 1998 when he decided to retire.

Prince Fielder is no stranger to the baseball field and has since stepped in to play in his dad’s former position. Together, they are the only father-son duo to have 50 home run seasons in the history of the MLB. Prince was just as much of a force on the field as Cecil until he retired in 2016.

Austin Rivers was the first NBA player to sign for a team coached by his father

Parent: Doc Rivers
Famous for: Basketball
Kid’s profession: Basketball

Although he is now known as the head coach for the Philadelphia 76ers, Doc Rivers actually started his career on the basketball court as a part of the NBA. He played for a host of teams throughout his career, including the Clippers, Knicks, and Spurs, before Doc retired in 1996, three years before returning as a coach.

It took years before he broke into the sport, but Austin Rivers has been a part of the NBA since 2012 and isn’t set to go anywhere soon. After being one of the top basketball players for his high school, Austin made history as the first player to work for his father, who was coaching the Clippers at the time.

Cole Anthony admits he tries to learn all he can about basketball from his dad

Parent: Greg Anthony
Famous for: Basketball
Kid’s profession: Basketball

Playing 11 seasons in the NBA means that Greg Anthony knows a thing or two about basketball. Perhaps that’s why he’s turned his attention to sports analysis and commentary since his time on the court? That’s not all. The former NBA star also helps to coach his son, Cole Anthony, who is quickly taking the sport by storm.

Cole admitted that he tries to learn all he can from Greg and has done a great job of putting that to use. After all, Cole led the US to gold in 2018 at the FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship and was signed to the NBA in 2020. He joined the Orlando Magic and has played as their point guard since.

Vashti Cunningham has the best trainer for her track and field career in the form of her dad

Parent: Randall Cunningham
Famous for: Football
Kid’s profession: Track and field

Just because Vashti Cunningham didn’t entirely follow in her father’s footsteps doesn’t mean that Randall Cunningham has forgotten all about his daughter. Randall made a name for himself as a quarterback in the NFL, where she spent most of his career playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. He eventually retired in 2001 after finishing his career with the Ravens.

Now, Randall appears more than happy to help his daughter train for her time in the limelight, and Vashti says she loves his input. Vashti wowed the world when she became the youngest US athlete to qualify for track and field in the 2016 Olympic Games. Randall? He told People magazine Vashti’s maturity has “kicked in” since she’s gone professional.

David Bell didn’t manage to outshine his father on the baseball field

Parent: Buddy Bell
Famous for: Baseball
Kid’s profession: Baseball

While some athletes’ children have come and blown their parents’ careers out the water, David Bell didn’t quite have the same luck. Still, it was always going to be a lot to live up to, as the Bell family is one of only a few who has seen several generations make it to the major leagues.

It all started with David’s grandfather, Gus, who hit an astonishing 206 home runs. He was followed by none other than baseball legend Buddy Bell, who took home 201 home runs. David has 123 home runs, which is still pretty impressive, but he now spends his time as the manager of the Cincinnati Reds instead of on the field.

Scotty Pippen Jr. has all eyes on him as people expect he’ll live up to his dad’s reputation

Parent: Scottie Pippen
Famous for: Basketball
Kid’s profession: Basketball

It can be challenging for anyone to stand out when they’re up against the best of the best. Scottie Pippen somehow managed to do just that, though, even when he was fighting for the limelight alongside Michael Jordan during his time with the Chicago Bulls. Here, Scottie managed 17 seasons and won six NBA championships before retiring in 2008.

The Lakers are considered to be one of the top teams in the NBA, making Scotty Pippen Jr.’s signing to the NBA team even more impressive. After all, he’s just 21 years old and has already secured a major contract. Of course, this comes alongside his time in the South Bay Lakers, with plenty expecting great things from Scotty.

Chase Elliot has followed his dad into the world of dominating NASCAR

Parent: Bill Elliot
Famous for: Stock car racing
Kid’s profession: NASCAR

The name Bill Elliot might not immediately ring a bell. Perhaps Million Dollar Bill does? The racing driver was better known by a host of nicknames as he took the world of professional stock car racing by storm. To date, Bill still has the record for the fastest qualifying speed of a driver at Talladega, sitting at 212.209 mph.

It seems a need for speed runs in the Elliot family, as Chase has since taken his position behind the wheel. In fact, he’s done more than that, as Chase already has 17 wins to his name at just 26 years old. The best bit? Chase and Bill are only the third NASCAR father-son duo to make it as champions.

Tori Dilfer has traded her dad’s football for a volleyball instead

Parent: Trent Dilfer
Famous for: Football
Kid’s profession: Volleyball

Being a quarterback means there’s usually a pretty good chance your name will go down in NFL history. Being the starting quarterback for the Ravens when they won the Super Bowl in 2000 only boosts those odds. That’s why so many still talk about Trent Dilfer to date, especially as he continues to work as a head football coach.

There’s something about sports that must run in the Dilfer family. However, 14 seasons in the NFL wasn’t enough to convince Trent’s daughter, Tori, to give football a go. Instead, Tori has opted for a life in volleyball. Here, she’s quickly working her way around the world, representing the US and playing for an Italian team so far.

Jaxson Hayes is rising through the NBA compared to his NFL dad

Parent: Jonathan Hayes
Famous for: Football
Kid’s profession: Basketball

Playing for the Kansas City Chiefs was the perfect way for Jonathan Hayes to get his career going. After all, getting signed to the NFL is a major dream for plenty of athletes. Not only did Jonathan enjoy a career with the league, but he also moved on to work as a coach in the NFL and XFL since retiring.

Jonathan’s retirement came a few years before he welcomed his son, Jaxson Hayes, but that hasn’t stopped him from being there for his son’s own sporting career. Still, Jaxson opted for something a little different from the NFL in the dorm of the NBA. Jaxson signed with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019 and has played for them since.

Jalen Rose never met his dad, but they did share a passion for basketball

Parent: Jimmy Walker
Famous for: Basketball
Kid’s profession: Basketball

It might be easy to forget that Jimmy Walker and Jalen Rose are father and son as they have different surnames. They also didn’t acknowledge each other much throughout their careers, as Jimmy was never a part of his son’s life. Still, it appears that basketball was a part of their blood, as they both signed up for the NBA.

Jimmy played nine seasons with the NBA and ultimately passed away in 2007 at 63 years old. Jalen? He joined the NBA in 1994 after being a part of the Fab Five basketball team at the University of Michigan. Jalen ultimately started his career with the Denver Nuggets and still produces books and documentaries about his incredible career.

Moisés Alou followed his dad and uncles into the world of baseball

Parent: Felipe Alou
Famous for: Baseball
Kid’s profession: Baseball

Being the first Dominican player to be a part of the Major Leagues was a huge stepping stone for players and saw Felipe Alou go down in history. As if that wasn’t enough, Felipe was also one of three brothers who became one of the top sporting families of the century. Even after retiring, Felipe continued to manage baseball teams.

All of his work on the field meant it was almost written in the stars that his son, Moisés Alou, would follow in his footsteps. Seventeen seasons later, and Moisés is still considered to be one of the leading players in MLB. One of the many things that wowed the crowd was how he would bat without using batting gloves.

Thaddeus Moss is recovering from injuries before dominating the world of football

Parent: Randy Moss
Famous for: Football
Kid’s profession: Football

If there’s one thing that plenty of fans have noticed, it’s that joining the NFL either makes or breaks someone. For Randy Moss, it did the former, as the wide receiver stayed for 14 seasons before returning in 2012. Even now, the NFL still holds Randy as one of the greatest players in his position of all time.

Being just 24 years old means that Randy’s son, Thaddeus, is still getting his career off the ground. Thankfully, that means he has plenty of time to show the world that he’s a true force to be reckoned with in football. As of now, Thaddeus is a free agent who has slowed his career slightly to recover from recurring injuries.

Cameron Carter-Vickers has enjoyed a successful soccer career compared to his dad’s NBA career

Parent: Howard Carter
Famous for: Basketball
Kid’s profession: Soccer

It seems that Howard Carter, often called Hi-C’s career in the NBA was short and sweet. It started in the 1983 season and was over just two years later. However, that didn’t mean Hi-C was out. Instead, he moved to France and eventually earned citizenship there to play for the French national team before finishing on the court in Greece.

Thankfully, things have been a little more successful for his son, as Cameron Carter-Vickers has played with some top soccer teams. It started at Tottenham in 2016 before he was traded to several teams. After a successful season, Cameron signed to the Scottish team Celtic in 2022 and continues to play soccer for the US national team.

Jared Goff decided to trade baseball for football and forge a career as a quarterback

Parent: Jerry Goff
Famous for: Baseball
Kid’s profession: Football

Being a baseball star means that Jerry Goff is used to sussing out the competition and knows about the hard work and dedication that goes into forging a career as an athlete. He also tied with two other players in his final MLB game for the most passed balls in one single game after 1900. Sadly, Jerry retired in 1996.

Thankfully, Jerry can now sit back and enjoy watching his son flourish, as Jared Goff is the Detroit Lions’ current quarterback. Amazingly, Jared’s time with the Rams before he was traded to his current team means he was one of the few who got to lead the team to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2001.

Al Horford took his father’s basketball legacy and ran away with it

Parent: Tito Horford
Famous for: Basketball
Kid’s profession: Basketball

Tito Horford didn’t make much of an impact on the NBA, but he did go down in history. After all, he was the first Dominican player ever drafted by the association. Throughout his three seasons, Tito managed to score just 93 points, but he could walk away with his head high. Plus, it paved the way for his son.

Al Horford quickly stepped in after a hugely successful college basketball career. After all, he’s not known to be a part of one of the most successful recruiting classes for nothing. Thankfully, his five-time NBA All-Star titles have led to even more records, as Al is still currently the highest-paid Latin American basketball player in the world.

Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. is already following in her mom’s athletic footsteps

Parent: Serena Williams
Famous for: Tennis
Kid’s profession: Potential tennis star

There are tennis stars, and then there are the Williams sisters. Serena is just one half of the duo and might arguably be one of the best players of all time. After all, she wasn’t named the World Number One by the Women’s Tennis Association for a staggering 319 weeks for nothing. That’s before mentioning her 23 Grand Slam titles.

As well as once being the highest-paid female athlete in the world, Serena has also welcomed a daughter, Alexis Olympis Ohanian Jr., into the world. Olympia was born in 2017 and already appears to be following in her mom’s footsteps. In fact, Serena announced in 2022 that she plans on retiring to focus on her growing family.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. picked up where his dad left off in NASCAR when he lost his life

Parent: Dale Earnhardt Sr.
Famous for: NASCAR
Kid’s profession: NASCAR

Being called The Intimidator might give some who are unfamiliar with Dale Earnhardt Sr. an indication as to how well he did during his time in NASCAR. As if that wasn’t enough, the sport often calls Dale Sr. one of the best drivers ever. Tragically, that ended in 2001 when a skull fracture from a crash ended Dale’s life.

It appears that NASCAR racing runs in this family, as Dale Jr. has picked up where his dad left off. He follows his granddad, half-brother, brother, and uncle behind the wheel and is now one of the greatest semi-retired drivers. The best bit? Both Dale Jr. and Sr. have been inducted into the Hall of Fame in recent years.

Mike Conley Jr. has a host of NBA titles to his name, while his dad opted for Olympic medals

Parent: Mike Conley Sr.
Famous for: Track and field
Kid’s profession: Basketball

The Olympic Games tend to bring people from across the world together. After all, we often get to watch sports that we don’t always see. It has also helped some athletes to become household names, especially when they do well for their nation. That was the case for Mike Conley Sr., who specialized in the long and triple jump.

Bringing home gold and silver from the Olympics is one thing, but watching your son work his way up through the NBA is another. Mike Jr. first signed to the Grizzlies in 2007 but recently switched to the Utah Jazz. Even so, getting named an NBA All-Star and named the Grizzlies’ all-time leading scorer is quite an accomplishment.

Trinity Rodman is setting plenty of records as a soccer player in the NWSL

Parent: Dennis Rodman
Famous for: Basketball and wrestling
Kid’s profession: Soccer

It comes to something when the NBA states you’re arguably the best rebounding forward in the history of the association. Amazingly, that’s what happened for Dennis Rodman, even years after he retired from the sport. Plus, during his time in the NBA, Dennis turned to life as a professional wrestler, becoming the first winner of the Celebrity Championship Wrestling tournament.

It seems this family is used to taking the world by storm, as Dennis’ daughter, Trinity, became the youngest player who was ever drafted into the National Women’s Soccer League at 18 years old. It’s something she continued to dominate, as Trinity is still a part of the Washington Spirit. Amazingly, she’s also the highest-paid player in the league.

Joakim Noah seemed to prefer shooting hoops over rallies in tennis

Parent: Yannick Noah
Famous for: Tennis
Kid’s profession: Basketball

Winning 1983’s French Open was enough to see Yannick Noah become a household name. Amazingly, this moment came in the middle of his career, and was surrounded by Yannick winning no fewer than 16 doubles titles and 23 singles titles. Retiring wasn’t enough to see Yannick disappear from the world as he’s since broken into music and charity work.

While coming from a sporting family inspired Joakim Noah, it seems he didn’t want to follow in his dad’s footsteps entirely. Instead, Joakim took to the basketball court and became one of the star players in the NBA. Although he was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2014, Joakim decided to retire in 2020.

Harper Beckham is the only one of her siblings interested in soccer

Parent: David Beckham
Famous for: Soccer
Kid’s profession: Potential soccer star

Have you heard the phrase “Bend it like Beckham”? That’s all thanks to the one and only legendary soccer player David Beckham. He made a name for himself in the UK and is one of the greatest midfielders of all time, but he made waves by being the first English player to win league titles in four nations.

While he might have retired, Beckham continues to be a name in the sport as co-owner of Salford City and Inter Miami CF. Even though David has four children, it seems only Harper has shown any interest in following her dad’s career. At 11 years old, she has plenty of years left to practice before taking things professional.

Natalya Neidhart continues to wrestle as a part of the WWE

Parent: Jim Neidhart
Famous for: Wrestling
Kid’s profession: Wrestling

Back when wrestling was dominated by the WWF, there were two names that came up more than anyone else: Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart and Bret “The Hitman” Hart. The brothers-in-law were just about everywhere wrestling fans looked in the ‘80s, and they gained a host of title belts throughout their impressive careers as Tag Team Champions.

Seeing that wrestling was such a large part of her life growing up might make it less surprising that Jim’s daughter, Natalya, has followed into the family’s profession. Thankfully things have paid off for Natalya, who has several world championships and tag team titles under her - particularly impressive - wrestling belt. She even has three Guinness World Records.

Patrick Mahomes II believes his dad’s baseball career helped him become a better quarterback

Parent: Pat Mahomes
Famous for: Baseball
Kid’s profession: Football

The Boston Red Sox might be one of the most recognized teams in MLB and was once where Pat Mahomes made his mark. He played for the team for a season but spent the rest of his time jumping between other notable teams. After dominating MLB, Pat decided to take on the Japanese baseball franchise, Nippon Professional Baseball.

He might not have been interested in life as a baseball star, but Patrick Mahomes II says that training as a pitcher and playing basketball both helped to make his career as a quarterback even more successful. So far, he’s enjoyed quite the career in the NFL, such as leading the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl in 50 years.

Kobe Bryant quickly overtook his dad’s fame in the world of the NBA

Parent: Joe Bryant
Famous for: Basketball
Kid’s profession: Basketball

Let’s be honest; if there’s a Bryant who stands out in the world of basketball, it’s Kobe. Did you know he wasn’t the first from his family to make it into the NBA? That’s right; Kobe Bryant had a ton of inspiration from his dad’s eight-year career. Here, he played for three teams before retiring.

Still, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant is now more famous as Kobe’s dad. The Black Mamba was named as an NBA All-Star no fewer than 18 times, as MVP in 2008, led the NBA in scoring multiple times, and is now in the Hall of Fame. Sadly, the final honor came after the basketball legend lost his life in a tragic accident.

Brett Hull proved that hockey is a family game by following his dad’s career

Parent: Bobby Hull
Famous for: Hockey
Kid’s profession: Hockey

While some athletes’ children want to break away, others know they can learn from the best and carve their own careers if they try. That’s been the case for Brett Hull, who decided to follow his dad into the world of ice hockey. Bobby Hull appeared in a staggering 12 All-Star Games and led the Blackhawks to a Stanley Cup.

Brett Hull? He did what almost seemed to be impossible. After all, his dad set the standard pretty high, yet he somehow came in and dominated the sport like never before. He might have retired, but Brett still holds the fourth-place record for the number of goals scored in the NHL, sitting behind legends like Wayne Gretzky.

Charlie Woods has been learning from the best golf teacher since he was born

Parent: Tiger Woods
Famous for: Golf
Kid’s profession: Potential golf star

When it comes to golfers, Tiger Woods is one of the best-known of all time. He burst onto the scene at just 20 years old and has remained there since. Winning his first Masters at just 21 years old probably helped to cement his name at the top, and working on his career since childhood has certainly paid off.

It seems talent runs in this family, as Charlie Woods has been learning from the best since he was born in 2009 and is already proving to be a real force. In fact, in 2020 - when Charlie was just 11 years old - he competed alongside his dad. It certainly looks as though Charlie is a golfing legend in the making.

Charlotte Flair is now a famous wrestler in her own right

Parent: Ric Flair
Famous for: Wrestling
Kid’s profession: Wrestling

With a name like Ric Flair, it might be little surprise that he is one of the greatest wrestlers the sport has ever seen. Believe it or not, but he has been inducted into the Hall of Fame not once but twice as a single competitor and as a part of the Four Horsemen wrestling group.

That’s before the WWE claim Ric is a 16-time world champion. Charlotte Flair has picked the family mantle and run with it, as she is now a part of the WWE in her own right. As well as making huge waves for women in the sport, Charlotte also has a host of achievements and some memorable wins to her name.

Grant Hill kept away from the football field but dominated the world of basketball

Parent: Calvin Hill
Famous for: Football
Kid’s profession: Basketball

Being 75 years old might mean it’s no surprise that Calvin Hill has retired from the NFL. Still, he can always look back at the impressive 12 seasons he played as a running back. Throughout his career, Calvin led his teams to four Pro Bowls and took home a Super Bowl win with the Dallas Cowboys before he retired.

While it might have been a little different from the field he’s used to, Calvin got to spend much of his later life watching his son dominate the basketball court. Here, Grant Hill played for the likes of the Clippers, the Phoenix Suns, and the Orlando Magic. Even now, Grant continues to work as a basketball analyst for various broadcasts.

Ken Norton Jr. has retired from the NFL, but he continues to coach teams

Parent: Ken Norton Sr.
Famous for: Boxing
Kid’s profession: Football

Was there anyone strong enough to take down Muhammad Ali? Apparently, yes, as that’s just what Ken Norton Sr. did during his time as a boxer. Although he retired from the sport in 1981, Ken Sr. remained a prominent name in the ring thanks to his time against Ali and was even inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992.

That competitive spirit must have been strong in this family, as Ken Norton Jr. has some impressive titles to his name. For one, he was the first person to win three consecutive Super Bowls with the NFL - two with the Dallas Cowboys and the final with the San Francisco 49ers. Now, Ken Jr. continues to coach various NFL teams.

Matthew Tkachuk looks to have a lengthy hockey career ahead of him

Parent: Keith Tkachuk
Famous for: Hockey
Kid’s profession: Hockey

Having an 18-year career is always impressive, but it’s even more to think about when you spend those years on the ice. That’s right; Keith Tkachuk lasted nearly two decades in the NHL, playing for teams like the Atlanta Thrashers, Phoenix Coyotes, and Winnipeg Jets. Here, he became one of five US-born players to score 500 goals.

To top it off, Keith is also the sixth US player to score over 1,000 points. What about his son? It appears Keith’s success was enough to inspire Matthew Tkachuk to join him in the NHL. At 24 years old, Matthew should still have a long career ahead of him, especially as he signed to the Panthers in 2022.

Chris Long won one more Super Bowl than his fellow NFL dad

Parent: Howie Long
Famous for: Football
Kid’s profession: Football

Amazingly, Howie Long was picked by the Raiders in the 1981 draft and spent his entire 13-season career with the team. He was there when the team made it to the Super Bowl in 1984 and was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000, seven years after he officially retired from the sport.

Howie’s son, Chris, joined the NFL a few years later in 2008 and was there for a decade. In that time, Chris became one of six to win two consecutive Super Bowl titles with two different teams - the first with the Patriots and the second with the Eagles. He retired in 2019, but Chris is still hailed as an inspiration.

Drew East has been spotted getting practice in early on the balance beam

Parent: Shawn Johnson East
Famous for: Gymnastics
Kid’s profession: Potential gymnastic star

Getting to the Olympics is something plenty of athletes dream about. So what about earning gold and silver medals? Amazingly, that’s what Shawn Johnson East managed to do back in 2008, with the gold coming for her individual time on the balance beam and her silvers for the floor exercise, all-round, and team performance. That’s not all.

It seems all her rhythm and coordination were enough to see Shawn take home the trophy on the competition show ‘Dancing with the Stars’ in 2012, the same year she announced her retirement from gymnastics. In 2019, Shawn welcomed her first child, and it seems Drew East has been practicing on the balance beam ever since.

Mark and Marty Howe instantly showed that hockey talents run in this family

Parent: Gordie Howe
Famous for: Hockey
Kid’s profession: Hockey

For years, it looked as though no one was ever going to beat Gordie Howe’s records in the WHA and NHL. That was until Wayne Gretzky came along and blew them out of the water. That doesn’t take away from the incredible things Gordie achieved throughout his career or the fact that he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Being such a big name in hockey meant plenty expected Gordie’s sons to pick up where he left off - which is precisely what they did. Mark and Marty Howe have both made impressive careers throughout the years. In the end, Marty managed 12 years in the NHL and WHA, while his brother Mark had 22 years in both leagues.

Aaron and Bret Boone mean the Boone family has seen three generations pass through the MLB

Parent: Bob Boone
Famous for: Baseball
Kid’s profession: Baseball

Some players are so valuable that people don’t want to see them leave. That’s what happened with Bob Boone, who was once a major name in MLB. He played with a handful of teams throughout the years, including the Phillies, Angels, and Kansas City Royals. Bob was also called in to manage the Royals and Reds after he retired.

It turns out that Bob was already inspired to play baseball by his father, Ray. Still, it wasn’t until Bob’s son Bret made his debut in 1992 that the Boones became the first family to have three generations reach the Major Leagues. It turns out Bob’s other son, Aaron, also joined the family in the MLB a few years later.

Laila Ali is often known as the best female boxer of all time

Parent: Muhammad Ali
Famous for: Boxing
Kid’s profession: Boxing

Who is the greatest sportsperson of all time? That’s up for debate. However, many would argue that Muhammad Ali is up there as a strong contender. After all, the boxer wasn’t known as The Greatest for nothing. As well as being named Sportsman of the Century, Ali often tops the list of most influential athletes of all time.

The same year that Ali earned his impressive Sportsman of the Century, his daughter first stepped into the ring. Laila fought as a professional boxer for eight years, but the best bit? By the time she retired, Laila was undefeated. This and her incredible style mean many believe Laila is the best female boxer in history.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. did the impossible and might have outshone his boxing dad

Parent: Floyd Mayweather Sr.
Famous for: Boxing
Kid’s profession: Boxing

Just because other people have come along and tried to take the title as boxing legends doesn’t mean we can forget about Floyd Mayweather Sr. After all, he was once a force to be reckoned with in the ring. Who else could fight in a tiny hat and earn the nickname Pink? Floyd Sr. certainly knew how to defend himself.

His defensive talents meant that Floyd Sr. instantly turned to training as soon as he retired and has since trained his son, Floyd Mayweather Jr., to become the next best boxer. Amazingly, Floyd Jr. competed in five classes, fought in 50 fights, and retired undefeated - with 27 of his fights ending in a total knockout.

Rob Ryan has coached several memorable NFL teams

Parent: Buddy Ryan
Famous for: Football coach
Kid's profession: Football coach

Not all sports stars make a name for themselves on the field. Some work behind the scenes to ensure the players have everything they need to bring home the victory - and that's precisely what Buddy Ryan did for 35 years. What started as leading the New York Jets to Super Bowl victory led to coaching a host of NFL teams.

Rob Ryan saw what his dad did and realized it was a great way to be involved in the NFL. Ever since, he has worked as an assistant coach or defensive coordinator for seven teams in the NFL, including the New England Patriots when they won two Super Bowls. It's a true talent that the Ryan family has mastered.

Stephen and Seth Curry have both built impressive NBA careers for themselves

Parent: Dell Curry
Famous for: Basketball
Kid’s profession:

By the time Dell Curry retired from the NBA, he was the highest point scorer of all time for the Charlotte Hornets. While he might have taken the title with him, Dell didn’t entirely walk away from the sport. Instead, he has taken his knowledge behind the scenes and now works as a color commentator for his former team.

Having a foot into the NBA door has seen Dell’s sons, Seth and Stephen Curry, both enter the world of basketball. Stephen joined the association in 2009, playing for the Golden State Warriors, and has been there ever since. Seth? He’s played for several teams since 2013 and is currently a part of the Brooklyn Nets.

Dwayne Johnson was inspired to start wrestling by his dad and grandfather

Parent: Rocky Johnson
Famous for: Wrestling
Kid’s profession: Wrestling

Wrestlers come in all shapes and sizes. However, Rocky Johnson made history as soon as he joined the National Wrestling Alliance. His time in the ring - both on his own and as a part of a tag team - meant that he became a household name. Eventually, Rocky was the first of two black champions in the history of the WWE.

It turns out that Rocky’s father-in-law was also a wrestler, and both helped to inspire Dwayne into a career of his own. Thankfully, their connections meant that he could join the WWF with ease and quickly became one of the most prominent wrestlers of all time. In fact, The Rock is a name that’s still highly praised in the ring.

Simone Johnson is the fourth generation in the family to take on wrestling

Parent: Dwayne Johnson
Famous for: Wrestling
Kid’s profession: Wrestling

There’s a good chance that many people now know Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson for his time as an actor. However, things started for the star in the wrestling ring. It was his charismatic trash-talking that got so many people on his side, alongside the fact The Rock helped create the peak of the WWE during his career.

He might have retired, but the Johnson name continues to take the world of wrestling by storm. Known as Simone Johnson outside of the ring and Ava Raine inside the ring, she made her WWE debut in February 2020. Now, she’s made her TV debut and is the fourth generation of Johnson to dominate the sport.

Bronny James is set to follow his father to the court once he graduates from high school

Parent: LeBron James
Famous for: Basketball
Kid’s profession: Basketball

There’s a good chance that even people with no interest in basketball have heard of LeBron James. After all, he’s one of just two athletes to have an estimated net worth of $1 billion - the other being Tiger Woods. In fact, LeBron’s skills mean he’s often compared to Michael Jordan as the greatest player of all time.

LeBron still plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, but he’s not alone. Bronny James, his eldest son, is already busy working on his basketball career. Being just 17 years old means that Bronny is yet to take his talents to the NBA. Still, there’s a good chance he will have an instant contract as soon as Bronny is ready.

Kobe Bryant Shaquille O'Neal LeBron James Michael Jordan Serena Williams Tiger Woods Trending