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Athletic ability oftentimes runs in the family. We’ve seen countless second-generation athletes follow in their parent’s footsteps — and, sometimes, even eclipse their accomplishments. Think about stars such as Barry Bonds, Stephen Curry, and Laila Ali — each of which had pro parents who passed on their talent and knowledge to their superstar kids. Today, we’re going to take a look at the next era of second-generation athletes to remind you just how quickly time flies…
Jase Richardson (son of NBA guard Jason Richardson)
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Former Warrior Jason Richardson was one of the league’s premier high-flyers in the 00s. After helping Golden State pull off a historic upset in the 2007 NBA Playoffs, Richardson went on to star for the Charlotte Bobcats and Phoenix Suns where he developed into a reliable three-point shooter. His son, Jase, will follow in his footsteps and attend Michigan State in the fall. Jase is a four-star guard from Miami and a top-25 basketball recruit according to ESPN. He signed with the Spartans in October of last year.
Anquan Boldin Jr. (son of NFL receiver Anquan Boldin)
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Former athletes sometimes pass off their athletic genes to their offspring only for their kids to decide to pursue a completely different sport. That’s the case with former NFL wide receiver Anquan Boldin and his son who plays basketball at the University of Buffalo. Anquan Boldin Jr. was a freshman with the Buffalo Bulls last year and started in 18 games for head coach George Halcovage. Boldin Jr. averaged 7.0 PPG and was one of the team’s top defenders. The Bulls went 4-27 last season. During his 14-year NFL career, Boldin’s teams won more than four games in all but one season — his rookie year with the Arizona Cardinals.
Cristian Driver (son of NFL receiver Donald Driver)
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Like father, like son. Former longtime Green Bay Packer Donald Driver has a son who seems to be following directly in his footsteps. Cristian Driver was a top wide receiver recruit out of Texas and committed to play at Penn State straight out of high school. It seems that the three-time Pro Bowler passed on some of his knowledge to Cristian, allowing him to become one of the most coveted WR recruits in the country. Cristian entered the transfer portal in December and intends to continue his college career at the University of Minnesota.
Christian Harrison (son of NFL safety Rodney Harrison)
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A fan favorite with the Patriots, Rodney Harrison was a feared safety who always played with a high level of intensity. His relentless style of play led to him being featured on two Super Bowl-winning teams. The Tennessee Volunteers hope to get a similar level of production from Christian Harrison, Rodney’s son. Christian enrolled at UT in ’22 and has played in 12 games over the last two seasons. He figures to play a bigger role in ’24.
Andrej Stojakovic (son of NBA forward Peja Stojakovic)
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Sharpshooting forward Peja Stojakovic was a mainstay for multiple elite teams throughout his career. He came close to winning a title while starring for the Kings but eventually became a champion as a key reserve for the 2011 Dallas Mavericks. His son, Stanford’s Andrej, just completed his freshman season at Stanford. He’s got a long way to go to match the shooting prowess of his father. However, Andrej actually shot slightly better from three as a freshman (32.7 percent) than Peja did as an NBA rookie (32.0 percent). He recently announced that he would be transferring to rival Cal to play for former NBA player Mark Madsen.
Jackson Holliday (son of MLB outfielder Matt Holliday)
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Major League Baseball is filled with second-generation athletes, but perhaps none share the pedigree of 2022 No. 1 overall pick Jackson Holliday. Holliday has dominated the Minor League ranks ever since, and entered the 2024 season as the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball. Of course, most baseball fans recognize the Holliday name. Matt Holliday played in MLB from 2004-18 and was a seven-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger. Jackson was called up briefly in ’24, and we expect to see him back with the Orioles in short order.
Cole Pennington (son of NFL quarterback Chad Pennington)
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Quarterbacking runs in the Pennington family. Chad, an 11-year NFL pro who spent the majority of his career with the New York Jets, was one of the most accurate hurlers in his day. He led the league in completion percentage twice and finished as MVP runner-up to Peyton Manning in 2008. Cole enrolled at his dad’s alma mater, Marshall, in ’21. He saw his on-field action last year and finished the season completing 64-of-112 passes for 695 yards, zero TDs, and six INTs.
Mason Miller (son of NBA forward Mike Miller)
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College basketball fans who pay attention to the Big East saw a familiar name in ’24. Creighton’s Mason Miller, the son of former NBA pro, Mike, started 33 games for one of the top teams in the country. Much like his dad, Mason is a glue guy who did all the little things for the Blue Jays. Additionally, they are similarly lethal from beyond the arc. NBA followers remember Mike Miller nailing clutch three-pointers for the Miami Heat in the 2013 Finals while missing a shoe. Mason nailed 45-percent of his threes last year, one of the top marks in the entire NCAA.
Trinity Rodman (daughter of NBA forward Dennis Rodman)
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22-year-old sensation Trinity Rodman is one of the best up-and-coming talents in soccer. At just 18 years old, she became the youngest player to ever be drafted to the NWSL when she was taken second overall by the Washington Spirit. She’s already made 38 appearances for the national team and notched seven goals in international play. Of course, her father was one of the most polarizing NBA stars in history. A two-time Defensive Player of the Year and five-time NBA Champion, Dennis Rodman was unpredictable on the court as he was off of it.
E.J. Smith (son of NFL running back Emmitt Smith)
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The NFL’s all-time leading rusher has a son carrying on the family lineage. Emmitt Smith enjoyed a Hall of Fame career toting the rock for the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals. Smith’s son, EJ, was born in 2002 and grew up in Dallas. He enrolled at Stanford in 2020 and was in the program for four years. After the 2023 season, Smith announced his intent to transfer to Texas A&M where he will challenge for the starting role.
Marvin Harrison Jr. (son of NFL receiver Marvin Harrison)
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The No. 4 overall pick in last April’s NFL Draft, Marvin Harrison Jr. is one of the most talented second-generation athletes we have today. He was a dominant force at Ohio State where he established himself as a top wideout. That’s the same position his father played in the NFL for 13 seasons as he accrued over 14,000 career receiving yards and helped the Colts capture Super Bowl XLI. Marvin Jr. is even more athletically gifted than his Hall of Fame father, listed at four inches taller and weighing over twenty pounds heavier. We can’t wait to see what he can do with the Cardinals.
Jameer Nelson Jr. (son of NBA guard Jameer Nelson)
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Former NBA All-Star Jameer Nelson was drafted twenty years ago in the 2004 NBA Draft. At the time, he had a two-year-old son, Jameer Jr., who would go on to become a Division 1 athlete as well. Jameer Jr. played two years at George Washington, another two at Delaware, and completed the 2024 campaign with TCU. He’s eligible to be selected in the upcoming NBA Draft, though most scouts believe he’s bound for the G-League — where his dad is the GM of the Delaware Blue Coats.
Jamal Mashburn Jr. (son of NBA forward Jamal Mashburn)
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New Mexico guard Jamal Mashburn Jr. has been a mainstay in college basketball for the last few years. He’s started 94 games for the Lobos since ’21 and was named first-team All-Mountain West following the ’23 campaign. The 6-foot-1 senior is an excellent finisher around the rim, despite not having the same measurables as his former NBA father. 90s hoops fans remember the 6-foot-8 Jamal Mashburn for his thunderous dunks and mid-range wizardry.
Antonio Gates Jr. (son of NFL tight end Antonio Gates)
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Even if Antonio Gates Jr. never plays in the NFL, he can always say he was a better college football player than his old man. The former Charger tight end famously played college basketball rather than football at Kent State. He went on to make eight Pro Bowls and currently holds the record for the most career TDs by a tight end (116). Antonio Jr. caught five passes for the Spartans last year. After considering a transfer to another school, the 20-year-old wideout withdrew his name from the portal and will return to Michigan State in ’24.
Frank Gore Jr. (son of NFL running back Frank Gore)
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Going for a glove-less look is emblematic of Gore’s tough and rugged running style. Frank Jr. is following in the footsteps of his NFL running back dad who made a name for himself by being one of the toughest runners in the league. Best known for his time with the 49ers, Gore’s durability and longevity kept him in the league for 16 years. His pro career ended in 2020 and he’s currently ranked as the No. 3 all-time rusher in league history. Frank Jr. rushed for 4,022 yards over four seasons at Southern Mississippi and signed with the Buffalo Bills after going undrafted last April.
Eden James (son of NFL running back Edgerrin James)
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Another lineage of tailbacks, Howard running back Eden James is the son of NFL Hall of Famer Edgerrin James. Eden is a bit undersized but is electric in the open field and posted a 213-yard performance against Northwestern last year. He will be entering his junior season in ’24. Football fans remember Edgerrin for his team in college as a Miami Hurricane before jumping to the NFL and joining the Indianapolis Colts. James was a member of some high-flying offenses led by Peyton Manning and finished fourth in MVP as a rookie. He rushed for 3,262 yards over his first two seasons — the second-highest mark all-time behind only Eric Dickerson.
Owen McCown (son of NFL quarterback Luke McCown)
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The McCowns are like the clipboard-wielding version of the Mannings. It seems like every time you turn around another McCown is lined up under center ready to sling the ball around the yard. Southpaw Owen McCown is going into his sophomore year at UTSA and is the son of 10-year NFL veteran, Luke. Luke played his last NFL game in 2015 but didn’t throw a touchdown pass from 2007 on. Perhaps one day we’ll see Owen backing up Arch Manning in the NFL to keep the cycle going.
Larry Hughes Jr. (son of NBA guard Larry Hughes)
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It’s always a treat when the child of a former player has a similar style to their parent. That’s the case with Larry Hughes and his son who is currently a starting guard at Saint Louis University. Hughes was a good all-around player for 13 years in the NBA, but he was best known for his quick hands and ability to generate steals. Larry Jr. shares this innate skill. The Billiken guard had one of the highest steal rates on a per-minute basis in the country as a sophomore. The Hughes’ are a family of ball hawks.
Kiyan Anthony (son of NBA forward Carmelo Anthony)
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Class of 2025 recruit Kiyan Anthony is one of the top players in all of New York, and the son of former Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony. Kiyan was born in 2007 while his dad was still a member of the Denver Nuggets. Carmelo was traded to the Knicks in 2011 and that’s where the family planted their roots. Kiyan has already received offers from several top programs including Illinois, Michigan, Florida State, and Memphis. He’s also taken a visit to his father’s alma mater, Syracuse, where Carmelo helped lead the Orange to a national title in 2003.
E.J. Warner (son of NFL quarterback Kurt Warner)
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Former Temple QB E.J. Warner burst onto the scene as a freshman with the Owls. He was a starter under center both years on campus and was highly productive as an underclassman (6104 yards, 41 TDs in 21 career games). Entering his junior year, Warner opted to transfer to Rice where he will continue his collegiate career. He grew up in Arizona, where his father, NFL Hall of Famer and former league MVP Kurt Warner, ended his professional career as a Cardinal.
Jacob Wilson (son of MLB shortstop Jack Wilson)
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SoCal native Jacob Wilson was the No. 6 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. After an incredible career at Thousand Oaks High School in Thousand Oaks, California, Wilson attended Grand Canyon University where he played two seasons as a third baseman and shortstop. He’s revered for his excellent hit tool, but Wilson is no slouch defensively. And, that should be obvious to anybody who watched his dad, Jack Wilson, play defense for the Pirates. Wilson, who was named an All-Star in 2004, never won a Gold Glove but was as sure-handed as they come at the shortstop position.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (son of NFL linebacker Jeremiah Trotter)
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A Trotter will be lurking in the middle of Philadelphia’s defense once more. In 1998, the Eagles drafted Jeremiah Trotter who would go on to play eight total seasons in Philadelphia and was named a Pro Bowler on four occasions. 26 years later, his son, Jeremiah Jr., was selected by the Eagles in the fifth round. The first-team All-ACC linebacker played three years at Clemson where he flew up and down the field for Dabo Swinney’s defense. Eagles fans can expect the same sort of intensity and hard-hitting tendency from Jeremiah Jr. as they saw with his dad over 20 seasons ago.
Bronny James (son of NBA foward LeBron James)
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Bronny James Jr. has been in the spotlight from the moment he picked up a basketball. That much is to be expected when you’re the child of arguably the greatest basketball player to ever live. Bronny looked to forge his own path. He played high school basketball at Sierra Canyon in Los Angeles, California, and committed to play at USC collegiately. A health scare derailed him early, but Bronny made a recovery and is now looking to enter the NBA ranks alongside his legendary father. Will we see father and son suit up together in ’24? Possibly on the same team?
Mason Taylor (son of NFL defensive end Jason Taylor)
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LSU junior Mason Taylor has football in his DNA. His dad was a 15-year pro who collected 139.5 sacks over his career. Jason Taylor was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2006 as a member of the Miami Dolphins and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mason’s uncle, Zach Thomas, is a Hall of Fame linebacker who played alongside Jason in Miami. Shockingly, Mason plays on the other side of the ball from his dad and uncle, as he’s a tight end at LSU. He finished third in receptions for the Tigers last year behind two eventual first-round draft picks (Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr.).
Brenden Rice (son of NFL receiver Jerry Rice)
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Brenden Rice, the son of Hall of Fame WR Jerry Rice, was selected in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers. Naturally, the former 49er great wasn’t all too happy that his son had to wait until the final round to hear his name called. Jerry is widely regarded as the best wide receiver of all time, and some consider him to be the best overall football player in NFL history. Having a former player of that caliber on your side will certainly help Brenden as he looks to sculpt his career.
Shedeur Sanders (son of NFL cornerback and MLB outfielder Deion Sanders)
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Former NFL cornerback and MLB outfielder Deion Sanders took the college football world by storm when he became the coach at Jackson State in 2020. Then, he made another leap when he was named Colorado’s head coach in 2023. Sanders brought his two sons — Shedeur and Shiloh — along with him to Boulder. Shedeur Sanders is a top QB prospect who might be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. While he doesn’t play the same position as his dad, Shedeur is immensely talented and just as much of a showman as his Hall of Fame father.
Druw Jones (son of MLB outfielder Andruw Jones)
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Diamondbacks prospect Druw Jones is a player to look out for over the next couple of years. Jones was the No. 2 pick out of Georgia in the 2022 MLB Draft. He has the potential to be a five-tool player akin to his father, Andruw Jones. The former Atlanta Brave won 10 Gold Gloves and was named to the All-Star team five times in his career. As elite defensively as he was on the dish, Andruw was a well-rounded ball player. Druw hopes to carry a similar skill set into his MLB career.
D.J. Wagner (son of NBA guard DaJuan Wagner)
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A top-10 recruit from the 2023 class, D.J. Wagner garnered a ton of national hype before committing to play under John Calipari at the University of Kentucky. His last name is familiar to anybody who watched the NBA during the early 2000s. His father, Dajuan Wagner, was a highly-touted prospect in his own right. Dajuan famously scored 100 points in a high school game and played college ball at Memphis. He was the No. 6 pick in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers but his career fizzled out after just 103 games. He hopes the same fate does not follow his son. DJ recently announced his transfer to the University of Arkansas to reunite with Calipari.
