All in the Family

These Father & Son Duos Prove There is Something About Good Genes

David Rae didn’t follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a professional football career. But many father and son duos have made their mark in the league—not to mention other professional sports. In the National Football League alone, there have been 158 father-son combinations. Major League Baseball is notorious for keeping it in the family. And NASCAR has a tradition of champions begetting champions.

The following are some of the most successful father and son duos in professional sports history.

Football
Archie Manning had a nice 14-year career, even winning an Offensive Player of the Year Award and making it to two Pro Bowls. But he is perhaps most famous for being the father of current Indianapolis Colt Peyton and New York Giant’ Eli. Peyton’s list of records, accomplishments and superlatives are too numerous to mention; and although Eli is destined to always live in big brother’s shadow, they both have Super Bowl MVP trophies on their mantel and are true franchise quarterbacks.
Others:
Mike Renfro, Ray Renfro
Kellen Winslow, Kellen Winslow Jr.


Baseball
Ken Griffey’s career batting average is just a hair under .300, a statistic that very few in baseball history have accomplished. The two-time World Series Champion with the Cincinnati Reds had a remarkable 19-year career, but his son, Ken Jr., proved to be an even better player. Hampered by injuries late in his career, the younger Griffey still managed to hit 630 home runs—5th on the all-time list. The 13-time All-Star also was named to Major League Baseball’s All-Century Team in 1999.
Others:
Bobby Bonds, Barry Bonds
Felipe Alou, Moises Alou
Rob Boone, Bob Boone/Brett Boone

Basketball
Often it is the sons who outperform the fathers. In the ABA/NBA, however, the best father/son tandem owes its honor mainly to the success of the father … and, also, it’s a threesome! Rick Barry was one of the league’s greatest players throughout the 1960s and 70s, making the All-NBA First Team five times, the All-ABA First Team four times, and winning an NBA Finals MVP. Sons Brent and Jon had lengthy careers in the NBA and were known mainly as sharpshooters—although Brent did win the Slam Dunk Contest in 1996. Brent also was an integral part of two San Antonio Spurs championship teams.
Others:
Bill Walton, Luke Walton
Jimmy Walker, Jalen Rose


Hockey
The greatest left winger to ever play the game, Bobby Hull piled up numerous trophies and records throughout his 24-year National Hockey League career. The Hall of Famer is the father of Brett Hull, who finished his 20-year career as the third leading goal scorer in league history. Brett joined his father in the Hall in 2009.
Others:
Gordie Howe, Mark Howe





Auto Racing
Known by everyone as the victim of a deadly crash at the 2001 Daytona 500, Dale Earnhardt is known to racing fans as one of the greatest ever behind the wheel. The seven-time Winston Cup Series champ was both loved and reviled, which added to his popularity during his life and his legacy after his death. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has followed in his father’s tire tracks, as a Daytona 500 winner and winner of 23 races so far.
Others:
Lee Petty, Richard Petty
Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti



Bowling
The Professional Bowlers Association has been dominated by one family—first by Dick Weber, who helped found the organization, and then by son Pete, who is already in the Hall of Fame next to his father even though he is still active in the sport. Dick’s 30 PBA tour wins rank seventh on the all-time list; Pete’s 35 (and counting) put him third.








Swimming
Thirteen Olympic medals make Gary Hall Sr. and Gary Hall Jr. the most successful father and son in Olympic history. Gary Jr. owns 10 of those medals, including five gold. Gary Sr. never won gold, but shares one impressive achievement with his son: both have the distinction of making it to the medal stand in three consecutive Olympic Games.







Football/Basketball
These days he is known more for his friendship with President Barack Obama, but in the 1970s Calvin Hill was racking up yardage (6,083) and Pro Bowl selections (4) in the NFL. The 1969 Rookie of the Year shares that distinction with son Grant—although the younger Hill would get his ROY Award in the NBA. Despite battling injuries during his prime, Grant has had a long, illustrious basketball career that includes 7 All-Star nods. He is also the only player to ever win the league’s Sportsmanship Award three times.






Tennis/Basketball
Trick shots were the name of the game for tennis’ Yannick Noah, still the highest ranked Frenchman of the Open era. The 1983 French Open champion won 23 titles overall, but may eventually be overshadowed by his basketball-playing son, Joakim. The four-year NBA pro has helped the Chicago Bulls establish themselves as a title contender for years to come. Last month Joakim was named to the league’s All-Defensive Second Team.






What do you think? Did we miss any great duos? Let us know by leaving a comment below!