Five stories from NFL rookies with football fathers
Posted Jun 18, 2023
Indianapolis Colts third-round pick Josh Downs' first football coach was his father, former NFL player Gary Downs. And while Gary hasn't coached his NFL rookie son since the seventh grade, the younger Downs still turns to his original coach for advice at critical moments. "There's been times when I've called my dad at halftime during a game,'" Josh said.
(ESPN.com)
Related: Football, Tar Heels in the NFL
Chansky’s Notebook: One Chapter ShortA decade ago, as a 14-year-old growing up in Charlotte, Drake Maye attended Super Bowl 50, held in the San Francisco area, as a spectator...
Mon Feb 9, 2026Newsletter: Trimble's Triple, Banghart's Big Win, Surratt's Super Sunday, Remembering James Spurling
What a week in UNC sports! Seth Trimble became a legend, Women’s Basketball beat State in their house, Chazz Surratt won a Super Bowl, two...
Mon Feb 9, 2026
Super Bowl 2026: Mack Hollins arrives in handcuffs, Hannibal Lecter-style mask for big game
New England Patriots wideout Mack Hollins is...a lot. The 8-year veteran is more known for his off-field quirkiness than his on-field excellence. Sunday delivered yet...
Sun Feb 8, 2026
How Charlotte native Drake Maye went from Myers Park to Super Bowl LX
Patriots' quarterback Drake Maye hails from a well-known, athletic North Carolina family. Charlotte natives, Maye is the youngest brother in his family, but he's already...
Sun Feb 8, 2026
