Father’s Day in Sports: Three Dads Making a Huge Impact

Nick Pedone|published: Sun 21st June, 10:08 2026

Photo credit: Thearon W. Henderson

Father’s Day is here – and this one hits home differently.

Across the sports landscape, plenty of dads are doing big things. Some of them are even helping their children excel in professional sports.

Let’s take a look at some of the best dads in sports this year.

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

Not only did LeBron James get his son, Bronny James, drafted by the Lakers back in 2024, but now he’s playing significant minutes.

During the first round of the NBA Playoffs, LeBron and Bronny shared the court for actual postseason minutes.

Bronny only played in 25 games during his freshman season at USC following a preseason heart scare. But LeBron used his influence in Los Angeles to earn Bronny a roster spot, and he’s continued to develop during his first two seasons in the NBA.

LeBron is a free agent this summer. It’s possible that he could depart Los Angeles. What that would mean for Bronny isn’t super clear. But regardless, LeBron obviously earns the top spot on this list.

Deion Sanders, Colorado Buffaloes

Oct 25, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders looks on during a time out in the game against the Utah Utes during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Coach Prime’s Colorado Buffaloes only won three games in their first season without Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter.

But Shedeur is the reason why Deion makes this list.

During their time together in Jackson State and Colorado, the Sanders controlled the narrative. Even though Shedeur slid to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, he was able to play eight games for the Cleveland Browns during his rookie season.

He’s firmly in the mix of a quarterback competition against Deshaun Watson. If he wins the starting job and takes the Browns to the promised land? The legend of Coach Prime will grow. Even if he doesn’t, it’s remarkable that Deion was able to use his college football influence to develop his son and get him on an NFL roster.

Cooper Manning

Dec 31, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) rushes with the ball for a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Archie’s oldest son, Cooper Manning, wasn’t an NFL superstar like Peyton and Eli.

But Cooper’s kid, Arch Manning, currently holds the keys to become college football’s next king during the 2026 campaign.

He continued to develop throughout his first full season as the starting quarterback of the Longhorns. Now, he’s a Heisman trophy favorite and widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Peyton and Eli had their years in the sun in 2006, 2008, 2012 and 2015. But if Cooper’s kid wins the Heisman trophy and becomes the No. 1 overall draft pick? It’s officially his year.

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