Following in their footsteps: Best father-son combos in sports

Tom VanHaaren, ESPN Staff WriterFeb 7, 2024, 07:36 AM ET

CloseESPN staff writerJoined ESPN in 2011Graduated from Central Michigan

Mike Shanahan, offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers at the time, and wide receiver Ed McCaffrey celebrated their first Lombardi Trophy together in a 49-26 Super Bowl XXIX victory over the San Diego Chargers.

The two would win three Super Bowls together, with the 49ers and the Denver Broncos, throughout their careers.

Now, 29 years later, they will watch as their sons try to win their first Lombardi Trophy together on Feb. 11, against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and running back Christian McCaffrey look to make history with the 49ers. They can win the franchise’s first Super Bowl since their fathers won in 1994.

If San Francisco beats Kansas City, the McCaffreys will be just the second father-and-son duo to win Super Bowls as players with the same franchise, joining Steve and Zak DeOssie, who each won a title with the New York Giants.

Kyle and Mike Shanahan have already become the first father-son duo to lead the same franchise to Super Bowl appearances and would thus become the first to win, as well, if the 49ers can come out on top vs. the Chiefs. The Shanahans have already become just the second father-son duo in the NFL, NHL, MLB or NBA to each make the championship round in their respective sport, joining Lester and Lynn Patrick, who coached the New York Rangers and the Boston Bruins.

A win would make them the first father-son duo in the four leagues’ history to each win a title as head coach.

It would be a miraculous feat for the families and the storied franchise if it were to play out, but these two are not the only famous father-son duos who have excelled.

Here is a look at the most successful father-son combos in sports history.

Multiple sports

Deion Sanders coaches his sons, quarterback Shedeur and defensive back Shilo (pictured) with the Colorado Buffaloes. Luis Sinco / Los…


Source link : https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23975006/best-father-son-combos-sports

Author : Tom VanHaaren

Publish date : 2024-02-07 12:36:28

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