Fathers and sons have dotted the sports landscape, most recently coming to the front as Patrick Mahomes watched his son lead the Kansas City Chiefs to the Super Bowl championship. How many dads have won titles and their sons and how many have seen their offspring win when they didn’t?
The Mahomes
While Patrick Mahomes pitched in MLB from 1992-2003, he never earned a World Series ring. His son, Patrick Mahomes II, however, will receive a Super Bowl ring for guiding the Chiefs to the NFL Championship.
Mannings
Eli and Peyton Manning each won a pair of Super Bowls during their NFL careers. Father Archie did not win any, making the Pro Bowl twice in a career that spanned from 1971-84.
Griffeys
Ken Griffey Jr. earned all sorts of individual accolades in his illustrious, Hall-of-Fame career. He was a 13-time All-Star and AL MVP in 1997. His dad, however, Ken Griffey Sr., has the son beat as he was a member of World Series teams for the Cincinnati Reds in 1975 and ’76.
Thompsons
Mychal Thompson was a first overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. He wound up on championship teams in 1987 and ’88 with the Los Angeles Lakers. His son, Klay, plays for the Golden State Warriors and has won three NBA championships already.
Fielders
The Fielders were both power hitters, combining for 638 home runs, split exactly between the two. Cecil Fielder was a member of the 1996 World Champions with the New York Yankees. His son, Prince, was a six-time All-Star but never on a World Series winner.
Hulls
Brett Hull was a member of two Stanley Cup winning teams — 1999 with the Dallas Stars and 2002 with the Detroit Red Wings. His dad, Bobby, the “Golden Jet” led the WHA’s Winnipeg Jets to Avco Cup championships in 1976 and ’78.
Hills
Calvin Hill went to Yale and played for the Dallas Cowboys. He was on the team when it won Super Bowl VI. His son, Grant, was a two-time NCAA champion in basketball at Duke. He was never on an NBA championship team despite a long career.
Boones
The Boones are a multi-generational baseball family. Ray Boone was on the 1948 World Series champs, the Cleveland Indians. His son, Bob, was a member of the 1980 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies. Bret Boone was a three-time All-Star but did not earn a World Series ring. Aaron Boone played in MLB from 1997-2009. He currently is manager of the New York Yankees.
Currys
Dell Curry played in the NBA from 1986-2002 but did not play on a championship team. One son, Steph, is a three-time NBA champion with the Warriors. Younger son Seth is playing in the NBA but has not been on a championship in his career.
Longs
Howie Long played for the Raiders when they won Super Bowl XVIII. One of his sons, Chris, played on Super Bowl champions for the Patriots (LI) and Eagles (LII). Another son, Kyle, is a Chicago Bear but has yet to win a ring as a Super Bowl champion.
Matthews
There have been many members of the Matthews family in NFL history. Clay Matthews Sr. and Jr. each played in the league without winning a championship. Clay Matthews III earned a ring in Super Bowl XLV with the Green Bay Packers. Clay Jr.’s brother, Bruce, had a long NFL career but was never on a team that won a title.
Bonds
Barry Bonds is considered the all-time home run king in MLB. He came closest to winning a World Series in 2002 as a member of the San Francisco Giants, losing to the Anaheim Angels in seven games. His dad, Bobby Bonds, had a long career but also failed to win a WS.
Alomars
Sandy Alomar had sons Roberto and Sandy Jr. also make it to MLB. The dad played from 1964-78. Sandy Jr, played from 1988-2007. Neither won a World Series. Roberto Alomar played from 1988-2004 and was a two-time World Series champ (1992 and ’93) and was also a 12-time All-Star.
Bryants
Joe Bryant had a long NBA and international career. His son, the late Kobe Bryant, played 20 seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers and won five NBA championships in an amazing career.
Bells
Gus Bell was a four-time All-Star. He did not play on a WS champion. Son Buddy Bell was a five-time All-Star playing from 1972-89. Buddy’s son, David, is the current Reds manager and had a long playing career. No championships for the Bells, though.
Alous
Felipe Alou played in an outfield famously with brothers Matty and Jesus. He was a three-time All-Star and NL Manager of the Year in 1994. Son Moises was a six-time All-Star and played on the 1997 WS champion Florida Marlins.
Barrys
Rick Barry was one of the greats of the NBA and ABA. He was an ABA champ in 1969 and NBA champ in 1975 when he was the Finals MVP. He is the father of former NBA players Brent Barry, Jon Barry, and Drew Barry and current professional player Canyon Barry. Brent was a two-time NBA champ (2005, ’07). Jon and Drew saw time in the NBA but did not play on a title team.
Howes
Gordie Howe is one of the legends of hockey. He led Detroit to four Stanley Cup championships and to first place in regular-season play for seven consecutive years (1948–49 to 1954–55), a feat never equaled in NHL history. Howe and the Houston Aeros vied for the WHA’s Avco Trophy three times and won it twice. Mark Howe played with his dad on the Aeros and he made it to three Stanley Cup Finals. Marty Howe also was on those Aeros teams that won the Avco Trophy.
Rivers
Doc Rivers won an NBA championship as a coach in 2008. His son, Austin, has yet to play on a championship team.
Ryans
The Ryans are one of the most colorful families in NFL history. Buddy Ryan was the maestro of the “46” defense that led the Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl championship in XX and was part of the Jets’ upset of the Colts in III. Rex Ryan earned a Super Bowl ring as a member of the staff of the Ravens’ team that won XXXV. Rob Ryan has a pair of Super Bowl rings from XXXVI, XXXVIII.
Waltons
Bill Walton is one of the great college players of all-time. Despite being hampered by injury as a pro, “Big Red” was a two-time NBA champion. Son Luke was a two-time NBA champ as a player and a titleist as an assistant coach in 2015.
Mosses
Randy Moss made two Super Bowl appearances – Super Bowl XLII with the New England Patriots and XLVII with the San Francisco 49ers. His son, Thaddeus, is heading to the pros in the 2020 NFL Draft after playing a major role for LSU’s 2019 national championship run.
