NFL 1st Families: Manning and Matthews Make Way, Here Come the Gronkowskis

The NFL has seen many legacy families over the years. From the Shula's and the Ryan's to Kellen Winslow, Jr and Kellen Winslow II, its clear that athletic ability truly is genetic. 

While these families have done wonderful things over the years, there are some families who are making a more current impact on the league. 

Peyton and Eli Manning have been following in their father, Archie's footsteps for years. Peyton has recently hit a bump in the road with his 3rd neck injury keeping him from the playing field.  Eli, however, has been improving as he was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 3.

The Matthews family is definitely the largest line of NFL 1st Families. They are currently in their 3rd Generation of NFL stars with Clay Matthews as a reigning Super Bowl Champion, Casey Matthews the rookie for the Philadelphia Eagles, and Kevin Matthews playing for the Tennessee Titans.The odds of a Matthews man making it to the NFL are about one in two.

However, there is a new family on the horizon, the Gronkowskis. While they haven't all played in the NFL, the family is full of athletes.

Gordie Sr, the patriarch of the group, was the starting offensive guard for the Syracuse Orangemen back in the day. Then there are his five sons. The oldest of the boys, Gordie Jr was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2006. 

While Gordie Jr did not pursue football, the rest of the Gronkowski men live for the gridiron. Dan was selected by the Lions in the 2009 draft, then traded to the Denver Broncos in 2010.  In September he was released by the Broncos, picked up by the Patriots and then released again by the Patriots last week.

Chris, the middle brother, was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2010 by the Dallas Cowboys. The Indianapolis Colts then claimed him through waivers this September.

Rob has been the most steady of the three boys currently in the NFL. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2010 and in 19 games has had 52 catches for 783 yards and 8 touchdowns.  Not too shabby for a 22 year old. 

The baby of the family, Glenn, just started playing football for Kansas State on a full ride.

 The Gronkowski name is sure to make its mark on the NFL for a long time to come.