Many of us dream of sporting success. Every kid who takes to the field hopes of one day running out into a packed stadium or arena in front of thousands of fans. Unfortunately, for most people, that is about as far as a sports career goes. But there are the lucky few who go on to become household names.
In a way, it seems unfair that oftentimes those sports stars are only following on in the family business. It is quite incredible how many athletes have brothers and sisters in sports – or come from a long line of professional athletes. We have gotten quite used to seeing the same old names in the online sports betting markets and on the nightly highlight shows.
Maybe it’s something to do with genes – or the knowledge that a sports career is a real possibility – for these athletes. Whatever the reason, we thought we would celebrate seven sports families who have provided the world with multiple world-class athletes.
The Griffeys
Baseball fans of the 1990s will probably get a little misty-eyed whenever Ken Griffey Jr.’s name is mentioned. He was the first overall pick in the 1987 MLB Draft and went on to cement his name in the game’s history by turning into one of the most prolific home run hitters in baseball.
But Griffey Jr. was only following in the footsteps of his dad. Ken Griffey Sr. had already made the family name known in an 18-year baseball career in which he won the World Series twice. His son couldn’t quite match that feat but was a 13-time All-Star and even got to play on the same team as his father for a couple of years.
The Mannings
It is quite incredible to discover just how many top sports athletes have family members already in the game – and the Mannings can be considered a footballing dynasty thanks to the generations of top players it has produced. Peyton Manning is probably the most successful but the NFL is virtually a family business for them.
Peyton’s dad, Archie, enjoyed a long NFL career – mainly with the New Orleans Saints – and was a two-time Pro Bowler. Peyton himself won two Super Bowls and the NFL MVP award on five occasions. Brother Eli was also a quarterback and won another two Super Bowls with the Giants, while Peyton’s nephew Arch is currently the QB at the University of Texas.
The Williams’
Tennis had never seen anything like it before. In a way, it is possible to divide the history of women’s tennis into two distinct eras – before and after the arrival of Venus and Serena Williams. Famously coached by their father, who spurred them onto success, the sisters became the most recognizable faces in the sport.
With a background not common in the world of tennis, the Williams sisters were a breath of fresh air for the sport, with Venus starting off the Grand Slam trophy haul in 1997. In all, Venus won seven singles majors as well as 16 doubles championships – as well as Olympic gold. Serena carried on the Williams domination and ended her career with 23 singles titles and 14 doubles in majors alone. She also picked up a couple of Olympic golds along the way.
The Currys
Steph Curry has become one of the greatest-ever NBA players, winning multiple championships with the Golden State Warriors, Olympic golds and numerous other personal awards. But he is just one of the Curry family to make a big impression on the world of sports. Both his dad and his brother played in the NBA and the family achievements don’t stop there.
Dad Seth enjoyed a 16-year career in the big league, playing for a number of teams before handing over the reins to his sons. Steph started with the Warriors in 2009 but younger brother Seth also plays, currently in Charlotte, and is married to the daughter of the legendary Doc Rivers. Steph and Seth’s sister, Sydel, also played collegiate volleyball and is married to NBA player Damion Lee.
The Harbaughs
Sometimes sports families get to be known best for their coaching skills. All of the Harbaughs played college football to a high standard, with Jim going on to enjoy a long career on the field in the NFL before switching his cleats for a coach’s headset. And it is on the sidelines where all of the Harbaughs have excelled.
Father Jack has been coaching since the 1960s for a number of top schools and obviously passed on the gene, as both Jim and John have a fine pedigree. They actually became the first brothers to face each other as head coaches in a Super Bowl in 2012 (John won) and now Jim is in charge at the Chargers while Jim remains at the Ravens.
The Alis
Boxing has long produced family dynasties and the greatest of all time also began a tradition of fighting, with his daughter following him into the ring. Muhammad Ali is a legend of the sport and a name that has transcended boxing entirely, thanks to his activism and engaging personality.
Muhammad won multiple championship belts in a glittering career and also made one of the greatest-ever comebacks to reclaim his titles. After initially being opposed to women’s boxing, he came around to fully support his daughter, Laila, who also became a world champion. His brother Rahaman also fought, as does his grandson Nico Ali Walsh.
The Brunsons
It takes a lot of talent and determination to become a professional athlete in the NBA. But it might be a little easier for someone who is only following in the footsteps of their father, spent their formative years in locker rooms, and even has the good fortune to have his dad on the coaching staff of his team.
Jalen Brunson has been credited with leading the New York Knicks back into championship contention after a lean streak – where his father Rick is currently an assistant coach. Rick himself enjoyed a nine-year NBA career himself and met his future wife in college when she was on the school’s volleyball team.