Who are the greatest sporting families in history?

Throughout the history of sport, there have been some families so dominant they have impacted their sport over multiple generations, here’s a look at some of the greatest sporting families we have ever seen.

Per Olympics.com, the Willaims sisters became, "the first tennis players, male or female, to win four Olympic gold medals." Venus and Serena Williams have a combined 60 Grand Slams, multiple Olympic gold medals and were two of the most dominant athletes in the world for over a decade.  Their father, Richard, was the driving force behind their success as he trained them from a young age with his 85-page plan.

Highlighted by one of the greatest tight ends of all time in Rob, the Gronkowski family boasts four ex-NFL players in its ranks. Rob, Dan, Chris, and Glenn all made it to the NFL while Gordie had a nine-year career in baseball's minor leagues.

Whilst the most famous Ripken was Cal Ripken Jr., he was actually preceded by his father, Cal Ripken Sr. who played minor league baseball in the Baltimore Orioles organisation before taking over managerial and then coaching duties. Jr.’s brother Billy played on the same Orioles team that his father managed and his brother starred in. 

Possibly the scariest family in rugby, the Tuilagis have struck fear into opposition hearts for two decades now with five of the six brothers playing for Samoa and one helping England reach a rugby World Cup final. Just when the rugby world thought the Tuilagi era was coming to an end, Henry’s 145kg 18-year-old son is bursting onto the scene for Perpignan. Rugby Pass actually ranked the Tuilagis as the greatest rugby family of them all.

Having two brothers in the same South African test side would be remarkable in itself, but Graeme and Peter’s legacy was only enhanced when Peter’s son Shaun carved out his own career as a world-class bowler and more than handy batter in some exceptional Proteas sides. 

Arguably one of the greatest offensive linemen in history, Bruce Matthews’ legacy is more than enough by itself, but considering his brother Clay Jr. also played 19 years in the NFL, the Matthews family certainly has some talent. Clay’s sons, Clay III and Casey would also play in the NFL with Clay III starring in a Super Bowl-winning Packers team.

Father Cesare and son Paolo combined for over 1000 caps for AC Milan during their playing days with Paolo staking a good claim at being one of the very best defenders in football history. Cesare would go on to coach his son for many years after retirement. Currently the sporting director at Milan, Paolo is now in charge of his son Daniel’s fate who has impressed on loan at Spezia, according to footballitalia.com

Ken Griffey Sr. played a whopping 19 years in the MLB, yet was still outdone by his son’s incredible 22-year playing career. During the 1990 and 1991 seasons, both Ken Sr. and Jr. would play on the same Seattle Mariners team, becoming the first father-son duo to do so.

There are few sports where family legacy is so important there is a rule implemented to ensure players are given the opportunity to play for the same team as their father. Collingwood are probably the biggest beneficiary of the ‘father-son’ in the AFL at the moment, going from father Peter to his sons Josh and Nick.

There are a host of Farrells who have played professional rugby, both league and union, but the most notable are Andy and Owen. Andy was a star for Wigan Warriors in the Super League for a long time before switching codes and currently coaches the Ireland international side sitting top of the world rankings. Son Owen is the current captain of England which must make for some interesting chats.

Rick Barry played 16 years in the NBA, winning a championship and eventually being enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Following in their father’s footsteps, Brent, Drew and Jon would all play pro basketball with Brent winning two championships during his career.

There are few enough father-son pairings to have played most professional sports that it is a notable achievement, there are even fewer who have both made it to a Hall of Fame. Both Bobby and Brett Hull were standout players in their careers and are rightfully cemented in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Whilst most would know the name Floyd Mayweather who is destined to finish his boxing career undefeated, but it is less well known that his father was also a pro boxer and had a very good 28-6 record during his career.

Another instance of a son outshining father, with Kobe Bryant being one of the most well-respected names in world sports. His father Joe was a good enough player in his own right, playing 8 years in the NBA before coaching in the WNBA and around the world.

With three generations of talented NASCAR drivers, the Earnhardts have had a truly great  impact on the world of motor racing. Starting with Ralph in 1949, it was his son Dale who would truly come to dominate. After Dale’s tragic death the Earnhardt legacy was continued by his sons Dale Jr and Bobby Dale. 

Patriarch Archie played 13 years in the NFL and was completely outshone by two of his sons, with Eli and Peyton both winning two Super Bowl titles. His third son Cooper was also destined for the NFL before suffering a career ending injury. The Manning family name is still alive in top-level football, with Cooper’s son Arch playing at the University of Texas. The Definitive Dose ranked the Mannings as the top sporting family in history.

The first family of Aussie Rules football, the Riolis are arguably the greatest sporting family of them all with 11 members all competing at the professional level. At one point the family was so dominant a member appeared in the AFL Grand Final 9 years in a row leading to the phrase "Draft a Rioli, win a premiership" becoming part of AFL lore.

Brothers Seth and Steph have both carved out very good NBA careers for themselves, with Steph becoming the greatest shooter of all time and on the way to the Hall of Fame. But it was their father Dell who started it all by playing 16 years in the NBA.