3 NFL players whose fathers are in the Hall of Fame
When NFL players have children, they often hope that one day their kids will grow up to become professional football players as well. They often enroll their children in youth football programs at a young age to introduce them to the sport.
They look forward to their kids developing the same love and passion for the game that got them to the highest level.
While the children of NFL players clearly have some advantages over other prospects, such as financial support and familiarity with the process, it doesn't guarantee that they will make it to the league.
It's an extremely difficult task for anyone to make it to the NFL, regardless of the name on the back of their jersey.
It's been estimated that only about 6.5% of high school football players go on to play competitively at the NCAA level. Less than 2% of all college football players ever make a team's final roster in the NFL.
The odds are always stacked against the prospects trying to make it to the top in a game that requires elite talent and determination.
It is assumed that the children of players who reach the Hall of Fame have a higher chance of making it to the league because of a potential genetic advantage.
While it may help their chances a bit, it's not a shoo-in by any means. On that note, here are three current players whose fathers are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
#1 Thaddeus Moss, son of NFL WR Randy Moss
Randy Moss is one of the greatest wide receivers of all time, having spent the majority of his career with the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots. He has the fourth-most career receiving yards and the second-most receiving touchdowns of any player in NFL history.
His son, Thaddeus Moss, went undrafted in 2020 before being signed by the Washington Commanders as a free agent. Injuries have prevented him from playing in the league, but he is currently on the Cincinnati Bengals roster ahead of the 2022-23 season.
One thing Randy Moss and Thaddeus Moss have in common.....touchdowns come easy in the Superdome. https://t.co/ysZSVu2g1Q
#2 Jake Matthews, son of legendary OT Bruce Matthews
Jake Matthews has spent eight seasons as an offensive tackle with the Atlanta Falcons and has been selected to one Pro Bowl.
His father, Bruce Matthews, is one of the greatest offensive linemen of all time. He was selected to 14 Pro Bowls and chosen seven times as a first-team All-Pro.
Bruce Matthews played every position on the offensive line across 19 NFL seasons. #NFL100 https://t.co/JaEEZWhcW4
The Matthews family is one of the most legendary in NFL history. Seven members of the family have played in the league, combining for 25 total Pro Bowl selections.
#3 Matthew Slater, son of HOF OL Jackie Slater
Jackie Slater is a legendary offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams. During his prime, he was selected to seven Pro Bowls in an eight-year span. He was indicted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.
His son, Matthew Slater, is a legend in his own right. He has spent 14 seasons in the NFL with the New England Patriots as a special-teamer and has been selected to 10 Pro Bowls and has won three Super Bowl rings. He has also been chosen in five All-Pro teams.