Best 'Aww, Dad' Moments in Sports

This Sunday is Father's Day, so don't forget to call your dad and let him know how much you love him for everything that he has done for you.

While my dad has always been there to support me through all the good times, bad times and drunken phone calls from back in college, it was the time we spent together during sporting events that are some of my fondest memories with him.

Not the biggest sports fan out there, my dad knew that, because athletics were my passion, he would make an effort to get tickets to see my Cleveland Cavs and Indians while growing up, getting all of his sports knowledge from me.

For all the memories I have with my dad, there are millions more around the world from people like you who could talk about the long nights shooting hoops, advice on how to stay down on a ground ball during little league or consoling you after a tough loss.

Since dads have made such an impact on their kids in sports, here are the best "aww, Dad" moments we've ever seen—so don't worry if they bring a few tears.

The Harbaugh Bowl

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

As a former football player and coach himself, Jack Harbaugh had to be thrilled when, back in Super Bowl XLVII, he saw his two sons compete in one of the biggest sporting events on the planet.

No doubt reminding the eldest Harbaugh about the days growing up in which Jim and John Harbaugh rough-housed and teased one another, the Super Bowl proved to be bigger than just two brothers going head-to-head.

Staying as neutral as possible in the game between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers, the two boys' dad knew that he would leave happy regardless of the outcome, as one of his sons would become a world championship coach.

Robinson Cano Chooses His Pitching Pops

While growing up, it's pretty common for a dad to teach his son how to hit a baseball, often lobbing him pitches and telling the kid to "keep his eye on the ball."

And for Robinson Cano, he felt such advice was exactly what he needed when competing in the 2011 Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game, because he not only chose his dad, Jose, to pitch to him, but he flew his old man all the way from the Dominican Republic to do so.

Serving up some great pitches into his son's sweet spots, Robinson Cano was able to win the Derby crown, celebrating with his dad afterward.

Stephen Curry Celebrates His First Title with His Firstborn

League MVP Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors proved in this year's NBA Finals that he, indeed, was ready for the big time.

With mind-blowing ball skills and no hesitation on shooting, and drilling, threes from everywhere on the floor, Curry was the best player on the court for the final three games to capture his first title.

During the run, though, Curry introduced the world to his cute little girl Riley, who became the star of postgame press conferences during the Dubs' playoff run and eventual title.

Besides Steph and his daughter, though, the entire Curry presence was incredible to see, as TV cameras continued to show Steph's parents in the stands cheering for him as if he was still a a teenager playing in a dark gym. 

Martin Brodeur Announces His Son's Draft Selection

When it comes to running the family business, most of us typically take over a roofing company or something from our dad. For Anthony Brodeur, though, his dad handed him the keys to an NHL career.

Still waiting to be drafted as the 2013 NHL draft entered its final round, the New Jersey Devils—whom Anthony's dad, Martin Brodeur, starred for in 21 seasons—did not have a selection, with many believing they would stand pat and let the draft ride out.

However, when New Jersey's front office made a trade to get to the 208th pick, it was Anthony's dad who got to call the name of his kin, as the Devils made a Brodeur family dream come true, making this a moment that is so cool to see.

Tiger Woods Embraces His Pops

Tiger Woods will be, when all is said and done, arguably the most influential golfer to ever play the game.

With 14 majors to his credit and ridiculous moments that every fan can probably recount (does the 2008 U.S. Open ring a bell?), if you were to ask Tiger what his favorite major championship memory is, he might just say the first.

That's because at age 21, Woods not only became the youngest champ ever at Augusta National, but he set the course record—since tied—in the process, leading to one of the biggest hugs ever between his dad, Earl Woods, and Tiger.

It's something that, even today, puts a smile on my face. After all, Tiger was still just 21 years old at the time, so he was nothing but a kid.

Ron Hunter Can't Hold His Seat

The NCAA tournament is great for an abundance of reasons, but one of the best is when an underdog knocks off a favored team early on the first full day of action.

That's exactly what happened in this year's version of the men's tourney, as the 14th-seeded Georgia State Panthers found themselves knocking off the No. 3-seeded Baylor Bears to advance.

It was an exciting game that saw G-State rally from a double-digit deficit in the final couple of minutes, led by the team's star, R.J. Hunter—who just so happens to be the son of the head coach, Ron Hunter.

Seeing his boy score 12 of the team's 13 points in the final three minutes, Ron Hunter's emotion just couldn't be held back, as he fell out of his seat and onto the floor in exuberance following R.J.'s game-winner with 2.7 seconds left.

It was quite the sight to see, especially when considering the elder Hunter was out of commission and held back by a torn Achilles tendon he suffered during the Panthers' celebration just to get into this year's tourney. But it sure as hell was memorable and fun to see for everyone.

Pat Cash Runs Through Wimbledon

Former tennis player Pat Cash was always known for his flair and rebellious attitude, but he did something that will forever be remembered as heartfelt during the 1987 Wimbledon Championships.

Earning his first career Grand Slam title, Cash knew the one person with whom he wanted to celebrate with—and it was his dad.

Seeing as how the elder Cash wasn't on the court, though, the tennis star abruptly ignored the class that the All-England Club typically carries itself with to climb up to his pops in the stands.

Although Cash's antics may have been improv and organic excitement at its finest, the trend has become a bit of a tradition at Wimbledon since, with multiple winners following suit.

All in the name of dad.

The Griffeys Make It Back-to-Back Jacks

No matter what he does, every little boy seems to want to be just like his dad when he gets older. For former MLB All-Star Ken Griffey Jr., he was actually lucky enough to follow exactly in his father's footsteps—and their careers actually overlapped, as they played as teammates on the Seattle Mariners.

Becoming the first father-son duo to hit homers in the same game, the Griffeys wanted to make sure their record was memorable, as the two players went back-to-back against the Anaheim Angels on September 14, 1990.

It was about to be the end for Ken Griffey Sr., while Junior was just about to become the biggest star in baseball during the '90s, so it had to be a very cool moment for both guys.

Brett Favre Honors His Dad

Less than 24 hours.

That's all the time that had passed since former signal-caller Brett Favre's dad had passed away prior to a game that was set to take place between the Green Bay Packers and the Oakland Raiders on Monday Night Football in 2003.

While some wouldn't even consider taking the gridiron, let alone be away from their family, Favre didn't stray from his teammates, showing the kind of leadership and gritty competitor he was during his 20-year NFL career.

Throwing for 399 passing yards and four touchdowns—which moved him into second place on the all-time touchdown passes list—Favre put on quite the tribute to his late dad, who would have been proud to see No. 4 honor him with the nationally televised victory.

Michael Jordan Wins One for His Dad

I grew up absolutely idolizing Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, so the image of him winning his fourth title—and first since coming back to the NBA following a short stint in baseball—is an image forever ingrained in my mind.

Through Jordan's first three titles with the Chicago Bulls, there was always one constant in the locker room next to him—his dad, James Jordan, who celebrated each championship with his son.

But when James was savagely murdered just months after MJ's third title in 1993, Mike wanted to honor him by playing baseball, which was always something his dad wanted him to try.

Finishing his first full season back in the NBA after the time away, His Airness won his fourth championship on Father's Day, completing his comeback in fitting fashion and, in a way, still having his dad there right next to him as Jordan laid crying on the locker room floor.

Derek Redmond's Dad Comes to His Aid

A favorite to win a gold medal in the 400-meter spring during the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics, a hamstring injury crushed British sprinter Derek Redmond's dream of such a feat during the semifinals heat.

Pulling up lame and limping in pain, Redmond was determined to cross the finish line to prove to himself that he was a fighter.

Seeing his son in distress, Jim Redmond, Derek's dad, came to the sprinter's aid, wrapping his arms around Derek and easing him toward the finish.

Sure, Derek Redmond may have finished dead last, but the moment he shared with his dad remains one of the most emotional in Olympic history.