NFL Families: Keeping it in the NFL Part 1
It's very common in the NFL for multiple generations to be in the league. Some of these might not be news to you like the Mannings, but did you know Jamal Adams’ dad was a running back?
The Bosas
We all know that Nick and Joey Bosa have both had incredible starts to their careers. Nick had an impeccable rookie year last year with nine sacks and 16 TFLs which earnt him a Pro Bowl and the Defensive Rookie of the Year trophy. Joey was great too with 11.5 sacks and 17 TFLs pipping his brother to the best in the family. However, Nick played in the Superbowl and Joey’s Chargers went 5–11. You tell me who won.
Joey was Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2016. That's pretty impressive at first glance but when you look deeper and see that their Dad and Uncle both spent three years each as Defensive Ends in the NFL it makes more sense. John Bosa (their dad) averaged three sacks a year in his three-year career. Their uncle Eric Kumerow was a linebacker for the Dolphins and Bears. Kumerow had to retire after three years due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. Kumerow was the 16th pick in his draft class. In lots of ways, the Bosa’s are trying to live their careers for their uncle and father who couldn't due to injury.
Jamal and George Adams
Jamal Adams, who has recently requested a trade, is regarded as the best young safety in the NFL but did you know his dad George was a running back in the league. Jamal had 6.5 sacks and a pick last year. George Adams (his dad) was drafted in 1985 and was out of the league in 1991 after six seasons. Interestingly, both Jamal and his dad have worn the number 33 in every professional season they have played. George was not an elite player, he only scored six total TDs in his professional career all coming in his first two seasons. George was not very good but I bet you didn't know that he was Jamal’s dad, if you knew he played at all.
The Mannings
We all know about the successes of Eli and Peyton Manning who have every award under the sun between them and should both go into the Hall of Fame. But how much do you know about their dad? Archie played 14 seasons in the NFL in an era where the main way of moving the ball was running so his stats would have never been as impressive as Peyton’s or Eli’s. His stats were not good at all though even for the 70s and 80s. His best statistical season came in 1980 when he was 31, he threw for 23 touchdowns (a career-high) and had his second-best completion percentage at 60.7%. Although he did also have his second-worst year in interceptions with 20. Yet, his team, the Saints, went 1–15 in that year so he wasn't very effective. Archie’s best team season came the year prior to this in 1979. The Saints went 8–8 which is not very good for a career-high. Let's not forget about the up and coming either Arch Manning the 15-year-old high school QB who is Eli and Peyton’s nephew. He’s got the DNA but has he got the potential?
The Kupps
LA Rams receiver Cooper Kupp has made two Pro Bowls in his first three years, having caught 21 TDs. But we're not here to talk about Cooper. Cooper’s dad, Craig, was a QB for one season in 1991. He played in only one game and completed three of seven passes for just 23 yards for the Phoenix Cardinals (now of Arizona). You have to go another generation higher to see a good NFL player in Cooper’s Grandad, Jake. He was a Left-Guard for 12 years in the NFL. Jake Kupp played for the Cowboys, Redskins, Falcons, and Saints. There are not very many stats available for Offensive Linemen who played in the 60s and 70s so there isn't much I can tell you but by all accounts, but he was pretty good.
So that was Footballing Families. There are lots of Footballing Fathers and Sons so if this is popular I will make a part two and finally, Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there!
