The NFL has never been short of star power, but there’s something special about seeing father-son duos build a legacy.
The Mannings may be the most notable example, but it doesn’t stop on the field. There have also been six father-son coach duos, including Mike and Kyle Shanahan.
The Cleveland Browns named Shedeur Sanders as a starter this week, allowing him to follow in his father Deion’s footsteps.
Here we take a look at 10 of the greatest father-son duos in the NFL.
1. Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning
Archie set the foundation in the 1970s, earning respect in New Orleans and making two Pro Bowls despite playing on struggling teams.
Peyton then thrust the family name into greatness. He won five MVP awards, lifted two Super Bowls, and became the model quarterback for an entire generation.
Eli completed the story with two titles of his own in New York. His playoff run in 2007, including the upset of New England, ensured the Manning legacy continued.
2. John, Joey, and Nick Bosa
John Bosa’s career with Miami was short, but he still showed the power and edge that would define his family’s name.
Joey took that further when he entered the league. He became a top-tier pass rusher almost immediately, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year and earning regular Pro Bowl recognition.
Nick followed the same path. He won Rookie of the Year, helped lead San Francisco to the Super Bowl, and grew into one of the NFL’s most feared defenders.
3. Ed and Christian McCaffrey
Ed enjoyed a long, productive career as a wide receiver. He won three Super Bowls, became a trusted target in Denver, and built a reputation on toughness and reliability.
Christian has pushed the family name even further. He became one of the most complete offensive weapons of his era, thriving as both a runner and receiver.
His All-Pro seasons and game-breaking impact ensure the McCaffreys remain one of the league’s standout NFL father-son duos.
4. Clay Matthews Jr., Clay Matthews III, and Casey Matthews
Matthews Jr. played in four Pro Bowls and finished among the most productive linebackers of his generation.
Clay III carried that dominance into Green Bay. He won a Super Bowl, earned six Pro Bowls, and became the face of the Packers’ pass rush for a decade.
Casey added his own chapter with steady years in Philadelphia, rounding out one of the NFL’s most recognisable defensive families.
5. Howie, Chris, and Kyle Long
Howie Long made eight Pro Bowls, earned three first-team All-Pro selections, and helped deliver a Super Bowl during a dominant 13-year run.
Chris carved out his own place in the league. He stacked more than 500 tackles, played 11 seasons, and won back-to-back Super Bowls with New England and Philadelphia.
Kyle added more success on the offensive line. He made three straight Pro Bowls in Chicago and became one of the most dependable guards of the 2010s.
6. Tony and Anthony Dorsett
Tony Dorsett remains one of football’s great running backs. He rushed for 12,739 yards, scored 77 touchdowns, and starred in Dallas as a Hall of Famer and Super Bowl winner.
Anthony made his name on defence. He spent eight seasons in the league as a reliable safety and played in Super Bowl XXXIV with Tennessee.
Together, they represent one of the strongest NFL father-son duos to span both sides of the ball.
7. Patrick Surtain and Patrick Surtain II
Patrick Surtain patrolled the secondary for 11 seasons with Miami and Kansas City. He made three Pro Bowls and pulled in 37 interceptions.
Drafted ninth overall in 2021, Patrick Surtain II became a Day 1 starter in Denver and quickly climbed the ranks.
He earned first-team All-Pro honours in 2022 and established himself as one of the league’s cleanest technicians at corner.
8. Ronnie Lott and Ryan Nece
Ronnie Lott set defensive standards that still hold weight. He won four Super Bowls, earned eight All-Pro selections, and finished with 63 interceptions.
Ryan Nece took a different path. He became a steady linebacker in Tampa Bay and made more than 230 tackles across seven seasons.
Put their careers together and you get four rings, 63 interceptions and more than 1,300 tackles
9. Bobby and Marlon Humphrey
Bobby Humphrey made an early impact in Denver. He rushed for more than 2,800 yards, caught 100 passes, and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 1990.
Marlon built his career on the other side of the ball. He became a first-team All-Pro in Baltimore, recorded multiple Pro Bowls, and delivered a standout 2019 season with three interceptions and 14 pass breakups.
Their careers covered both sides of the ball, with more than 2,800 rushing yards on one end and All-Pro shutdown production on the other
10. Craig, Cameron, and Connor Heyward
Craig “Ironhead” Heyward played with power. He rushed for more than 4,300 yards and earned a Pro Bowl spot during an 11-year career.
Cameron took the family name to the defensive line. He became a leader in Pittsburgh, stacked All-Pro seasons, and passed 78 career sacks.
Connor is adding the newest chapter. He joined the Steelers in 2022 and has contributed as a tight end and special-teams piece.
