Football and boxing are more than sports. They’re lifestyles that demand insane amounts of physical and mental fortitude where pain is part of the job description. Thus, it’s not uncommon to see the same bloodlines running through these high-contact sports. Here are five famous boxers that are related to NFL players.
Iran Barkley and Saquon Barkley
One of the NFL’s fastest-rising young stars, New York Giants running back, Saquon Barkley originally wanted to be a boxer. That’s because his great-uncle is former world champ, Iran Barkley. A staple of the middleweight’s Golden Age in the 1980s, who holds not one, but two victories over the legendary Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns.
Evander Holyfield and Elijah Holyfield
Bringing the Evander Holyfield brand of brute strength and physical toughness to the gridiron, Carolina Panthers rookie running back Elijah Holyfield hopes to be a legend like his pops. Last year, he rushed for over 1,000 yards at the University of Georgia and made the Panthers practice squad after an impressive preseason rushing 19 times for 79 yards and one touchdown. He also caught six passes for 28 yards and a touchdown. “It’s something I’ve never been through before, so it was challenging,” Holyfield told Panthers.com of the roster finalization process. “I’m just happy to be back and I’m glad that part is over. I’m just going to try to prove myself and hopefully move back up.”
Ken Norton Sr. and Ken Norton Jr.
Seattle Seahawks’ defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr.’s dad was a one-man “Legion of Boom.” One of only five men to defeat “The Greatest,” Ken Norton Sr. was a hard-hitting heavyweight rival of Muhammad Ali and a household boxing name in the ’70s. Prior to coaching, Junior was a star linebacker for UCLA before becoming the only player in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowl rings with the Dallas Cowboys and 49ers. He once paid tribute to his dad by busting out a boxing pose for his end zone dance.
Pernell Whitaker and Ronyell Whitaker
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The late, great Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker’s is considered by the GOAT of defensive boxing-style. His nephew’s defensive skills weren’t too shabby either. A third-team All-American cornerback at Virginia Tech, Ronyell Whitaker was a journeyman NFL player who found greater fame in NFL Europe where he led the league in interceptions and defensive touchdowns for 2006 for the Rhein Fire.
Tony Harrison and Antonio Gates
You may have heard that legendary Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates once played basketball, but did you know he’s cousins with WBC light middleweight champ Tony Harrison? “Super Bad” Harrison recently made his name in a shocking upset win over Jermell Charlo and the two will throw down again on Dec. 21, 2019.
