Jon Runyan Sr. (1992‑95), who enjoyed a 13-year NFL career, will see his son, Jon Jr., follow in his footsteps to U-M in 2015.
photo courtesy Philadelphia Eagles
Through the years, more and more
father-son duos emerged — the Hestons (Willie, 1901‑04; Bill, 1929‑31;
John, 1931‑33); the Newmans (Harry,
1930‑32; Harry Jr., 1958‑59); the Browns
(Bob, 1923‑25; Bob Jr., 1959‑62), and on
and on.
The last few years we've seen the
Woolfolks (Butch, 1978‑81; Troy,
2007‑11), the Gants (Tony, 1983‑86; Allen, 2012-present) and soon to be the
Runyans.
There are at least 14 fathers and sons
that played at Michigan, according
to U-M historian Bob Rosiek, while
the Hestons, Elliotts and Dufeks had
two sons follow their fathers (see
chart), and the Hernnsteins produced
a grandson.
Among the head coaching ranks,
Fielding H. Yost, Fritz Crisler and
Lloyd Carr all had a son that lettered
at U-M.
The Dufeks are among the most accomplished families to ever play at
Michigan, and for Don Jr. and Bill, the
decision to ultimately follow in their
father's footsteps was likely a choice
many sons can relate to.
"My dad never really pushed us into
