In September 1996, Antonio Freeman electrified the NFL, scoring two touchdowns as the Green Bay Packers cruised past the Seattle Seahawks.
A few months later, he captured a Super Bowl title — the ultimate achievement for an NFL player.
Nearly three decades on, the Freeman name is making waves in Seattle again, but in a different sport: his son Alex netted his first World Cup goal on Friday, helping the USA defeat Australia 2-0 to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
“It’s a full circle family moment,” Alex Freeman said after the win.
“It shows how great the family tree is. It shows he can be great but I can be great in my own way and how amazing it is to have a dad that is successful and can mentor me to be ready for moments like these.”
Freeman senior has been closely following his son throughout this World Cup run, often seen beaming with pride at USA matches.
Still, with the NFL long overshadowing soccer in the United States, choosing that path wasn’t initially easy for Alex.
Unsure how his father would react, he was first encouraged by his mother and stepfather, who also served as his first coach.
The 21-year-old defender shared last year that he initially kept his love of soccer quiet, but is grateful he was ultimately pushed to chase his dream.
“It just shows how quick stuff can change and to not doubt yourself,” he added.
“Now I’m here, it shows you can never give up. Keep pushing and you never know what chance you’re going to get and how you can go and make stuff happen.
“You don’t know when this chance will come again.”