2024 NFL bloodlines: E.J. Smith, Antonio Gates Jr. among 16 future prospects whose fathers starred in NFL

Assuming LeBron James stays with the Los Angeles Lakers this year, he and Bronny James will become the first father-son duo to ever share an NBA court after the latter’s recent draft-day selection. Basketball doesn’t have a monopoly on legendary bloodlines, however, with the NFL boasting more than a dozen active big names whose fathers also excelled on the gridiron.

Which familiar names could be next? Here are 16 future NFL prospects with direct ties to former greats:

Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)

Position: QB | Father: Deion Sanders

The Jackson State transfer has recently been one of college football’s most accomplished signal-callers, and his father, now Colorado’s coach, was one of the NFL’s premier playmakers during his heyday, an eight-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Fame inductee as a cornerback and return specialist.

E.J. Warner (Rice)

Position: QB | Father: Kurt Warner

Transferring from Temple after two seasons with the Owls, Warner is looking to become the latest in his family to defy the odds under center: His father enjoyed a storied career as a two-time NFL MVP, notably guiding the Rams to a Super Bowl championship to cap the 1999 season.

Cole Pennington (Marshall)

Position: QB | Father: Chad Pennington

Pennington started three games for Marshall in 2023, coming off the bench as an injury replacement. His father played 12 years with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, winning Comeback Player of the Year.

Henry Hasselbeck (UCLA)

Position: QB | Father: Matt Hasselbeck

Hasselbeck committed to UCLA last winter after initial plans to attend Michigan State. His father was a three-time Pro Bowler best known for leading the Seattle Seahawks from 2001-2010.

Eden James (Howard)

Position: RB | Father: Edgerrin James

James has averaged more than 5 yards per carry in each of his first two college seasons. His father joined the Hall of Fame in 2020 and ranks just outside the NFL’s all-time top-10…


Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-bloodlines-e-j-smith-antonio-gates-jr-among-16-future-prospects-whose-fathers-starred-in-nfl/

Author : Cody Benjamin

Publish date : 2024-07-01 18:43:25

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