Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
Every sport has its share of families that have success — even if it means having to face a family foe. For example, brothers Jim and John Harbaugh will see a familiar face on the opposite sideline with the coaches’ two teams face off on Thanksgiving Day. Whether it’s fathers and sons, sibling rivalries or cousin connections.
Check out more families in sports after the jump…
The Mannings are perhaps the First Family of the NFL. Father Archie (left) was drafted No. 2 overall by the New Orleans Saints in 1971. Despite playing on a team that wasn’t too talented, Manning made two Pro Bowls as a quarterback. Two of his sons were destined for greater things. Peyton (center) was the first overall pick in 1998 and could be the best quarterback of his era. His 11 Pro Bowl nominations, two Super Bowl appearances (one win and game MVP) and overall dominance should make the Indianapolis Colts star a future Hall of Famer. His brother, Eli, is a star in his own right — winning a Super Bowl and game MVP honors, too. He was a first overall draft pick who was traded to the New York Giants in 2004.
The Clay Matthews name is now in its third NFL generation. Clay Jr. (left) has seen his son Clay III (center) already make a big impact in his two seasons, making the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons. Plus, the linebacker was a vital part of the Super Bowl title run this past season. And his brother is joining the NFL fraternity. Casey (another linebacker) was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in April.
Before Howie Long (left) starred as an FOX NFL Sunday analyst, he dominated on the football field as a defensive lineman for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders from 1981-1993. The Hall of Famer made eight Pro Bowls and played a key role in the Raiders’ Super Bowl XVIII win over the Washington Redskins. His son, Chris, is also a defensive lineman. He was drafted No. 2 overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2008 and has improved his sack numbers in each of his three seasons in the league.
For this relationship, you have to dig a little deeper into genealogy. Their grandmothers were cousins, making them second cousins, but the family resemblance on the court is uncanny. Two of the best athletes in league history, Carter and T-Mac have combined for 15 All-Star selections, two scoring titles (both by McGrady) and a Slam Dunk crown (Carter). Ultimately, they may be remembered as much for their playoff failures and fragility as their offensive exploits.
Calvin Ripken Sr., who died in 1999, was a player, coach and manager who spent 36 years in the Baltimore Orioles organization, for which his sons Cal Jr. and Billy played. Cal Jr., of course, is the Hall of Fame shortstop who spent his entire career with the O’s and was baseball’s “Iron Man,” having played 2,632 straight games. He was a 19-time All-Star, two-time AL MVP and AL Rookie of the Year in 1982. Cal Jr.’s younger brother Billy had a 12-year career with the O’s, Rangers, Indians and Tigers. He’s now a television analyst and radio personality.
Muhammed Ali once declared himself “The Greatest” and there are few who would argue with him. He was a heavyweight boxing champion and won fights with iconic names like The Rumble in the Jungle and the Thrilla in Manila. Years later, his daughter Laila followed in her father’s footsteps, becoming a multiple title winner in women’s boxing.
Source & More At: FoxSports