In honor of Fathers Day, Kidzworld looks at some of the world's most talented athletes who happen to have famous sports dads!
Archie Manning
Do you think it was a just a coincidence that Peyton Manning and Eli Manning are two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL? Of course not, their father Archie Manning had a little something to do with that. Archie was Pro Bowl quarterback in the '70s and early '80s for the New Orleans Saints, Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings. He was able to teach his young talented sons a thing or two about throwing the ol' pigskin around. Now both sons have been Super Bowl MVP's!
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali is one of the most legendary athletes of all time. He was a three-time world champion in boxing and posted a 56-5 record that spanned two decades. Muhammad was dubbed the greatest of all time, so you knew his children were gonna have greatness in their blood. Laila Ali definitely took a thing or two after her famous father. She is arguably the best female boxer around. Her record stands at 24-0 with 21 knockouts! While she is someone to be feared in the ring, she is ladylike off it. Laila is happily married and expecting her first child in September 2008. She also recently participated in the show Dancing with the Stars.
Karl Malone
In his day, Karl "The Mailman" Malone was the best power forward in the NBA. For over 20-seasons with the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers, the Mailman punished opposing defenses with his sweet shooting stroke, slick post moves and thunderous dunks! Now his daughter Cheryl Ford is doing the same thing (minus the dunks) as a member of the Detroit Shock. Cheryl is the only player in WNBA history to with the Rookie of the Year and a championship in the same year! The talent doesn't stop there. Malone's son, Demetrius Bell was just drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the NFL!
Darryl Strawberry
In the 1980s, Daryl Strawberry was one of the top baseball players. Playing for the New York Mets, Strawberry used his sweet batting stroke to help the Mets win the 1986 World Series. Strawberry also won three other world titles in his 16-year career. Strawberry's athleticism is apparent in his son DJ. But rather than use that talent on the baseball diamond, DJ uses it on the basketball court. DJ was a college star at the University of Maryland and is now a point guard with the Phoenix Suns!
Yannick Noah
Yannick Noah made history in 1983 when he became only the second black man to win a Grand Slam of tennis. The '83 French Open champ, Noah had a tennis career that spanned nearly 20 years. Today, he is the proud father of his son Joakim Noah, who is a basketball star. Joakim won two national titles with the University of Florida and was a first round draft pick by the Chicago Bulls. Just like his pops, Joakim is very animated, intense and emotional on the court!
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