The 10 Best Father-Son Combinations in Professional Sports

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Dean Hybl

Professional sports have always been a stage for extraordinary talent, resilience, and dedication. Among the countless inspiring stories, one of the most fascinating narratives is that of father-son duos who both excelled in their respective sports. These combinations showcase not only genetic prowess but also the influence of legacy, mentorship, and shared passion. Here are ten of the best father-son combinations in professional sports.

Baseball history was made in 1990 when Ken Griffey Jr. (left) became a teammate of his father with the Seattle Mariners.

1. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. (Baseball)

Ken Griffey Sr. had a distinguished career in Major League Baseball (MLB), primarily with the Cincinnati Reds, where he was a key player during the team’s “Big Red Machine” era in the 1970s. A three-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, Griffey Sr. established himself as a consistent and reliable player.

Ken Griffey Jr., however, elevated the family name to legendary status. With a career spanning 22 years, primarily with the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds, Griffey Jr. became one of the most prolific and admired players in MLB history. He was a 13-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove winner, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016 with one of the highest voting percentages ever. His sweet swing, defensive prowess, and charismatic personality made him a fan favorite and an enduring icon of the sport.

2. Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning (Football)

Archie Manning was a standout quarterback for the New Orleans Saints during the 1970s and early 1980s. Despite playing for a struggling team, Manning’s talent and leadership were evident, and he became a beloved figure in New Orleans.

His sons, Peyton and Eli, both achieved tremendous success in the NFL. Peyton Manning is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, with two Super Bowl titles, five MVP awards, and numerous passing records to his name. Eli Manning also had a stellar career, winning two Super Bowl MVPs with the New York Giants and earning a reputation for his clutch performances in big games. The Manning family legacy in football is marked by excellence, leadership, and a deep understanding of the game.

Calvin, Janet and Grant Hill are shown in 1973 shortly after Calvin suffered a shoulder injury against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Playoffs.

3. Calvin (Football) and Grant Hill (Basketball)

Calvin Hill was a standout running back in the NFL, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and won a Super Bowl with the Cowboys in 1972. Known for his versatility and athleticism, Calvin Hill was a key player during the Cowboys’ dominant years in the early 1970s.

Grant Hill, Calvin’s son, became one of the most versatile and talented forwards in NBA history. A seven-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection, Grant Hill’s career was unfortunately marred by injuries, but his early years showcased his potential to be one of the all-time greats. His combination of size, skill, and intelligence made him a unique and impactful player.

4. Howie and Chris Long (Football)

Howie Long was a dominant defensive end for the Oakland Raiders during the 1980s and early 1990s. An eight-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion, Long was known for his relentless play and versatility on the defensive line. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

Chris Long, following in his father’s footsteps, became an impactful defensive end in the NFL. Over an 11-year career, he played for the St. Louis Rams, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles. Chris won two Super Bowls and was named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2018 for his charitable work. The Long family’s commitment to excellence on and off the field makes them one of the most respected father-son duos in football history.

5. Bobby and Brett Hull (Hockey)

Bobby Hull, known as “The Golden Jet,” was one of the most electrifying players in NHL history. With his blazing speed and powerful shot, he scored 610 goals in his NHL career and won two Hart Trophies as the league’s MVP. He also led the Chicago Blackhawks to a Stanley Cup victory in 1961.

Brett Hull, Bobby’s son, inherited his father’s scoring touch and became one of the greatest goal-scorers in NHL history. Brett scored 741 goals over his career, placing him fourth on the all-time list. He won the Hart Trophy, two Stanley Cups, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009. The Hulls’ combined impact on the sport of hockey is immense, with both father and son leaving indelible marks on the game.

6. Dell and Stephen Curry (Basketball)

Dell Curry enjoyed a successful NBA career as a sharpshooting guard, playing primarily for the Charlotte Hornets. Known for his three-point shooting, Dell retired as the Hornets’ all-time leading scorer and remains a beloved figure in the franchise’s history.

Dell and Steph Curry were both known as three-point marksmen.

Stephen Curry, Dell’s eldest son, revolutionized the game of basketball with his extraordinary shooting ability. As a two-time MVP and four-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, Steph Curry has set numerous records, including the most three-pointers made in a single season and the most career three-pointers. His influence extends beyond his statistics, as he has changed the way basketball is played at all levels, emphasizing the importance of long-range shooting and skillful ball handling.

7. Bobby and Barry Bonds (Baseball)

Bobby Bonds was an exceptional player known for his combination of power and speed, achieving the rare feat of 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a single season five times. Over a 14-year MLB career, he became a three-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner.

His son, Barry Bonds, took the game to unprecedented heights, but also was part of a tainted era in baseball history. Barry holds the MLB records for most career home runs (762) and most home runs in a single season (73). He was a 14-time All-Star and seven-time MVP, showcasing an unmatched blend of power, speed, and batting precision. Despite his record-setting statistics, Barry Bonds’ legacy has been significantly impacted by his linkage to the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Barry is one of several “steroid era” players with all-time great worthy statistics who have not yet been voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

8. Cecil and Prince Fielder (Baseball)

Cecil Fielder was a powerful slugger in MLB, known for his home run hitting prowess. He led the American League in home runs twice and was a three-time All-Star. Cecil became one of the most feared hitters in baseball during the early 1990s.

Prince Fielder followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a premier power hitter in MLB. A six-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger, Prince was known for his consistency and ability to hit for power and average. Despite a career cut short by injury, Prince’s impact on the game and his legacy as one of the top hitters of his era remain strong.

9. Gordie and Mark Howe (Hockey)

Gordie Howe, known as “Mr. Hockey,” is one of the greatest players in NHL history. With a career spanning five decades, Howe was a 23-time All-Star, won four Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings, and retired as the NHL’s all-time leading scorer (a record later broken by Wayne Gretzky). His combination of skill, toughness, and longevity made him a true legend of the sport.

Mark Howe, Gordie’s son, had an outstanding hockey career of his own. He played in both the World Hockey Association (WHA) and the NHL, becoming a three-time NHL All-Star and being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011. Known for his defensive prowess and offensive skills as a defenseman, Mark Howe upheld the family name with distinction.

10. Pierre, Marc and Pau Gasol (Basketball)

Pierre Gasol had a modest professional basketball career in Spain, but it was his sons, Pau and Marc Gasol, who brought the family international acclaim. Pau Gasol was a six-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers. Known for his skillful post play, passing, and versatility, Pau was one of the most respected big men in the NBA.

Marc Gasol also carved out a remarkable NBA career, becoming a three-time All-Star and winning an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. Known for his defensive prowess and basketball IQ, Marc was a key figure in every team he’s played for. The Gasol brothers’ achievements made them two of the most successful international players in NBA history.