Athletes Who Inspire Dad Goals: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Cristiano Ronaldo And David Beckham
These athletes exemplify the essence of dad goals, showcasing their love, support, and dedication to their families.
Photo: Instagram/kingjames
In the world of sports, we often hear about the accomplishments and talents of athletes. However, remember that these athletes are also humans, juggling their demanding schedules with the responsibilities of being a parent.
From LeBron James' dedication to his sons to Dwyane Wade's open support for his family, Cristiano Ronaldo's transition into a loving father and Russell Wilson's commitment to his children and community, these athletes exemplify what it means to be a great dad.
LeBron James
Balancing career and fatherhood, LeBron James, a renowned basketball player, has been in the spotlight for his skills on the court and his devotion to his family. Despite his demanding NBA (National Basketball Association) career, LeBron has tried to spend quality time with his sons and support them in their endeavors. His influence on and off the court has shaped his sons' athletic careers, and LeBron's goal is to play alongside both his sons in the NBA one day.
Dwyane Wade
Leading with Love, Dwyane Wade, a retired NBA player, has been an exceptional father figure to his children and nephew. Through his foundation and personal experiences, Wade advocates for leading with love and being there for his kids. He has been open about challenges, such as infertility and his daughter's gender transition, demonstrating the importance of support and understanding within a family.
Cristiano Ronaldo
From a soccer legend to a cover model to a loving dad Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his extraordinary skills and being a devoted father. Despite his glamorous lifestyle, Ronaldo has shown a softer side as a parent. His journey, including losing a child, has reinforced his commitment to his kids and brought out his human side.
David Beckham
The global soccer sensation has been in the headlines lately with his MLS (Major League Soccer) team, Inter Miami, signing soccer's best, Lionel Messi. Beckham moved his family to the U.S. at the end of his playing career, and his children and wife, Victoria Beckham's businesses, have continued to soar. Son Brooklyn, a chef, was recently married to American actress Nicole Peltz. And son Romeo is following in his father's footsteps playing on the Brentford F.C. under-21 team.
Russell Wilson
Embracing fatherhood and community, Russell Wilson, the quarterback for the Denver Broncos, has shown his dedication to fatherhood through his involvement with his children and stepchild. Wilson's efforts in the community, especially in children's hospitals, have showcased his compassion and support for those in need. Although he faced challenges with his charitable foundation, Wilson's commitment to being a role model for his children remains strong.
THE 5 BEST ATHLETE DADS AND THEIR EQUALLY ATHLETIC KIDS
We bet family game night was a little competitive.
It runs in the family.
Genetics are a crazy thing,
The Last Night’s Game Team
1. Laila Ali had big shoes to fill when she followed in her dad’s footsteps. Her father was the one and only, the “World’s Greatest,” boxer Muhammed Ali. A boxing champion herself, she's also a television personality and fitness guru who has appeared on shows such as American Gladiator and Dancing With The Stars. LIGHT ON THEIR FEET
2. NASCAR’s (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) dynamic duo was Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Earnhardt Jr. Papa Earnhardt died from injuries sustained in a crash at the Daytona 500 at the age of 49. Earnhardt Jr. won that same race three years later in 2004. Earnhardt Jr.'s grandfather was also a NASCAR driver and his nephew races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. ONE FAST FAMILY
3. Basketball greatness runs in the family for the NBA (National Basketball Association) Champion and two-time league MVP, Stephen Curry. His father Dell, is the all-time leader in points and three pointers for the Charlotte Hornets. Steph’s youngest brother Seth plays basketball for the Portland Trail Blazers. They’re the first brothers to face off in the NBA conference finals. ONE OF THEM HAS TO BE YOUR FAVORITE KID
4. Her dad, two-time Hall of Famer Rick Flair, is considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, and wrestler Charlotte Flair is living up to his legacy. The college volleyball player turned WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) star has been a trailblazer for women in WWE, with nine championships to her name. “The Queen” was also the first WWE star to grace the pages of ESPN The Magazine’s Body Issue. ROYAL FAMILY
5. You can’t have a list of famous fathers and their kids without mentioning the ultimate trio – the Manning crew. Dad, Archie Manning was a NFL (National Football League) quarterback for 15 years. His quarterback sons Peyton and Eli have both won two Super Bowls. Their third brother Cooper, is ‘only’ a partner in a law firm and a TV personality. Cooper’s son, Arch, is keeping the family name alive as an impressive high school football prospect. A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK
Wednesday Wisdom
It’s all the buzz today including who shot their player in the face with a paintball, all the finals drama, David Ortiz’s recovery and how the U.S. Women made history in yesterday’s game. READ
The Rundown: Weekend Preview Edition - #1 Dad
This Sunday we celebrate dad. You know, the guy who showed us how to make a perfect cheeseburger on the grill. Or the guy who effortlessly caught a foul ball barehanded without dropping his hot dog or baby. How do you repay him for all he’s done? Give him the gift he’s been waiting for – sports highlights in three minutes or less, three days a week. But of course!
Shout out to our Pops and dads everywhere,
The Last Night’s Game Team
F1 RACING (FORMULA ONE)
- Racing in Europe, kind of. The European Grand Prix is this Sunday in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. Nico Rosberg is in the points lead heading into the race, but his teammate Lewis Hamilton is only nine points behind after winning last week’s race. (Winning a race gets you 25 points). As always, there’s some controversy around this race but not because of the drivers. There isn’t a consensus that Azerbaijan is actually a part of Europe. NBCSN will have live coverage of the race from Baku starting at 8 am EST on Sunday.
NBA (NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION)
- Tying it up. Don’t worry about getting a gift for your dad on Father's Day, LeBron James and the Cavs are giving dads everywhere the gift of a game seven in the NBA Finals. Cleveland Cavaliers beat Golden State Warriors last night, tying up the series at 3-3. Steph Curry fouled out of the game and threw his mouthpiece in protest (which awarded him a technical foul). Game seven takes place on Sunday (8 pm EST on ABC). If the Cavs win on Sunday, they’ll be the first team in history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the finals. You’ll want to watch this one.
PGA (PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS' ASSOCIATION of America)
- Rain, rain, go away. Mother Nature disrupted the first round of the U.S. Open; only nine players were able to finish their round. Golfers will have to make up the holes today and then play their scheduled second round. This means some golfers will be facing 26 holes of golf today. Click here for scores.
SOCCER
- U.S.A! Team U.S.A beat Ecuador 2-1 in a physical and tension-filled Copa America Centenario quarterfinals match yesterday. U.S.A will play the winner of Argentina/Venezuela on Tuesday. (Argentina/Venezuela play on Saturday at 7 pm EST).
Overtime
- Basketball sideline reporter Craig Sager had never worked an NBA Finals game in his 34-year career because he’s employed by Turner Sports. Sager who has been battling leukemia was given an exemption by ESPN which allowed him to work last night’s game. Fans and players alike (especially LeBron) gave Sager a warm welcome in Cleveland.
Sideline stat
- Miami Marlins outfielder and 15-year MLB veteran Ichiro Suzuki passed an almost impossible milestone this week. He passed Pete Rose as the all-time hit leader. Although there’s an asterisk to this record. Not all of his hits were while playing for a Major League Baseball team (he started his professional career in Japan). Ichiro is also close to joining the prestigious 3000 hit club (currently has 2979 hits).
Coaches’ Corner
- It’s College World Series time! The tournament is in Omaha, Nebraska and has been held there since 1950. Eight teams make it into the World Series tournament, which starts on Saturday. The tournament is double elimination until the finals, where it’s best-of-three games. Unlike in professional baseball where they use wood bats, college baseball players use metal bats which makes the ball go further.
The eight teams in the World Series are:
- University of Arizona
- University of California - Santa Barbara
- Oklahoma State University
- University of Miami (#3)
- Texas Tech (#5)
- University of Florida (#1)
- Texas Christian University
- Coastal Carolina