It's All in the Genes: Ranking the 5 Greatest Sports Families

When talking about the best sports families of all time, words like legendary, greatest, champion, and all-star all apply.

Whether we’re talking about MLB or NHL, it’s one of those lists we can spend hours debating. “The Yankee Clipper” Joe DiMaggio is still considered one of  the greatest baseball players of all time, and his brothers Dom and Vince both enjoyed all-star careers. 

If the American football world had a royal family, the Mannings would top most lists. Those entertaining Bud Light and King’s Hawaiian commercials, while entertaining, had zero influence. 

We offer up the top-five sports families of all time. 

What Makes a Great Sports Family?

As we compiled this list, several factors were considered. At least one family member achieved some level of greatness ranging from being an all-star, world champion, still ranking among the all-time greats years after retirement, or making it to the Hall of Fame, if eligible.

Ranking the Five Greatest Sports Families

5. The Curry Family

Steph Curry owns the family spotlight due to his four NBA championships, Olympic gold medal, two NBA MVP awards, and being a 12-time All-Star. The legendary sharpshooter’s signature night-night celebration informs opposing squads that the game is over.  

Younger brother Seth Curry, who has been more of a journeyman, has joined Steph on the Warriors this season. He is a career 47.1% field goal shooter. 

Their father Dell Curry enjoyed a 16-year NBA career highlighted by winning the 1994 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award. His 9,839 career points ranks second all-time in Charlotte Hornets history behind Kemba Walker.  

4. DiMaggio Brothers

Joe DiMaggio is clearly the standout talent due to a 13-year career highlighted by three league MVP awards, 11 All-Star Game appearances, and a record 56-game single-season hitting streak set during the 1941 season and still stands today. Dom DiMaggio’s 34-game hitting streak is tied for 16th.    

Besides being a .325 career hitter, Joe helped the Yankees win nine World Series crowns. The crazy part is the Hall-of-Fame outfielder missed three seasons fighting for his country in World War II. 

Dom played his entire MLB career with the Red Sox and was a seven time All-Star and a .298 career hitter. His 1,680 career hits still rank 10th in franchise history.  

Vince played for 10 seasons, two of which included being named a National League All-Star.

3. The Hull Family

Bobby Hull and Brett Hull are widely considered one of the greatest father-son hockey duos. Looking at the NHL all-time scoring list, “The Golden Brett” ranks 27th with 1,391 career points. Bobby, also known as “The Golden Jet” ranks 60th all-time with 1,170 career points. Both finished with over 600 career goals.   

The older Hull helped the Chicago Blackhawks win​​ the 1961 Stanley Cup. Brett did the same with the Stars (1999) and Red Wings (2002). When Brett was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009, they became the first father-son pair to accomplish the feat. 

Bobby’s brother Dennis Hull played 14 seasons and often referred to himself as the “third best Hull.”

2. Serena Williams and Venus Williams   

Serena Williams coming out of retirement earlier this year had zero impact on the Williams sisters making this list.  Good luck finding a sister duo that has accomplished more than Serena and Venus.

Serena alone is a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, and that is tops by any women during the Open Era. She held the world No. 1 ranking for 319 weeks.  

Venus has seven Grand Slam titles of her own, five of which she won at Wimbledon. 

The Williams sisters also share 22 career doubles titles (14 Grand Slams). Interestingly, Serena reunited with Venus to play the US Open in September, which means the pair might add to their totals before all is done and said.

1. Manning Family 

The Manning football genes run so deep that we could soon see a third-generation NFL starting quarterback. Archie Manning, the family patriarch, is a former first-round pick of the Saints and a member of the franchise’s Hall of Fame. 

Peyton, who entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame five years ago, played 18 seasons and made 14 Pro Bowls. He won Super Bowl titles with the Colts and Broncos. Peyton retired in 2016 with NFL records for passing yards (71,940), touchdown passes (539), and career wins as a starting QB (200). 

Eli, who played 16 seasons in New York, won two Vince Lombardi trophies and Super Bowl MVP awards, one of which spoiled the Patriots’ perfect season. He holds franchise records for career passing yards (57,023) and touchdowns (366). 

The youngest Manning with athletic aspirations – Arch – could soon follow his grandfather and famous uncles to the NFL. The University of Texas senior QB is considered among the top prospects. 

Honorable Mentions

In NASCAR, the names Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are often part of the all-time great conversations. The hockey world has too many to mention, but the Sutters received serious consideration being that six of the seven brothers played in the NHL and won multiple Stanley Cups. 

Baseball had Cal Ripken Jr., Cal Ripken Sr., and Billy Ripken, who are all part of Baltimore Orioles franchise history 

Is Sporting Greatness in the Genes?

Looking at the Manning family, genetics are playing a role being that Arch Manning could soon be a third-generation NFL QB. A similar case could be made for the Hull family as Brett followed in the footsteps of his father and uncle. 

Being born with talent, having access to great coaching, and hard work also factor into the greatness equation. It means the younger generation of Manning boys looking to succeed in the NFL quarterback business must earn their spot.