Former NFL Player Discovers Mentor Is Biological Father

Deland McCullough, a former NFL player and current running backs coach for the Las Vegas Raiders, discovered that his longtime mentor and former coach Sherman Smith is actually his biological father. McCullough, who was adopted and raised by a single mother, first met Smith at age 16 when Smith recruited him to play football at Miami University. Over the years, Smith served as a father figure to McCullough without knowing their biological connection, a revelation that came after McCullough sought out his birth parents following the birth of his own children. The two share strikingly parallel life stories, including similar football careers, knee injuries ending their playing days, and subsequent coaching roles. Their story, described as almost unbelievable, is documented in McCullough's book "Runs In The Family" and is reportedly being adapted into a movie. Smith and McCullough's reunion was marked by an emotional embrace, highlighting the profound bond they share beyond football.