Don't Call Me Junior! The 5 Greatest Athletes of Former Players

As I watched the Lakers game last night Patrick Ewing Jr. entered the contest in the fourth quarter. His contribution wasn't spectacular, but it immediately triggered two distinct thoughts. The first thought was I'm getting old before my very eyes because I remember Patrick Ewing's freshman year at Georgetown like it was yesterday (in reality it was 30 years ago). My second thought was the trend of athletes following in their father's footsteps is going to be the next phenomenon in professional sports.

It's only natural to make the transition into the "family business," especially when the business can provide you with celebrity status and financial wealth for the rest of your life. Why not benefit from the genes and the experience passed down from the previous generation? Although this trend will gain popularity in the next 10 to 15 years, it is far from original. Here is a list of the five greatest athletes of former players.

5. Peyton Manning

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts attempts to pass the ball to Jacob Tamme #84 against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, India

He is the consummate professional, a role model and the prototype of what a quarterback should be. Before his career is over, Peyton will rewrite the record books for passing and win at least two Super Bowls. Without question he is the face of the NFL.

4. Floyd Mayweather Jr.

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LAS VEGAS - MAY 01: Floyd Mayweather Jr. in action against Shane Mosley during their welterweight fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 1, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather Jr. defeated Mosley by unanimous decison. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty

If you listen to Floyd, he's the greatest fighter of all time. That's a bit of a stretch, but Floyd Mayweather Jr. is undoubtedly the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world today and arguably the best fighter of the last 25 years. Of course one more fight would quiet all the skeptics and end the speculation.

3. Ken Griffey Jr.

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SEATTLE - MAY 31: Ken Griffey Jr. #24 of the Seattle Mariners bats against the Minnesota Twins at Safeco Field on May 31, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

The Kid won 10 straight gold gloves, appeared in 13 All-Star games, won the AL MVP in 1997 and was voted to baseball's All-Century team. Safeco Field is affectionately referred to as the house that Griffey built because of his immense popularity as a Seattle Mariner.

2. Barry Bonds

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SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 26: Barry Bonds #25 of the San Francisco Giants flies out during his final home at bat as a Giant against the San Diego Padres during a Major League Baseball game on September 26, 2007 at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California.

I won't bore you with unbelievable stats, accomplishments and accolades, but it's safe to say Barry Bonds is one of the greatest baseball players that ever lived. Even if you think his baseball legacy is tainted with allegations of steroid use, you have to admit Barry Bonds was special on the field.

1. Kobe Bryant

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 26: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on in the third quarter while taking on the New Orleans Hornets in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2011 at Staples Center

The Lord of the Rings is in pursuit of his sixth championship and his second three-peat. After this season, Michael Jordan will have to move over to make room on the platform of the greatest player ever. Jordan fans don't like to hear it, but the torch will be passed.