The incredible true story of former NFL player Deland McCullough and his longtime coach Sherman Smith, who, years after forming an unbreakable bond, uncovered the astounding truth: they were biological father and son all along. This is a tale of fate, football, and the profound power of family.
In the world of football, bonds between coaches and players often run deep, shaping careers and lives. But for former NFL player Deland McCullough and his mentor, Sherman Smith, their connection was destined to be far more profound than either could have imagined. What began as a coach-player relationship blossomed into an undeniable father-son dynamic, culminating years later in the astonishing revelation that they were, in fact, biologically related.
This heartwarming saga, chronicled by McCullough himself in his book, Runs In the Family: An Incredible True Story of Football, Fatherhood, and Belonging, highlights the serendipitous path that brought a father and son together through the very sport that defined their lives. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, the family you’re meant to find is closer than you think.
The Unbreakable Bond Formed on the Field
The story of Deland McCullough, 52, and Sherman Smith, 70, began not in a delivery room, but on a football field. McCullough was orphaned at birth and raised by his adoptive mother, Adele. His journey to discovering his roots would take decades, but the universe had already begun weaving the threads of connection.
At the age of 17, a pivotal moment arrived when Smith, then serving as a running backs coach, recruited McCullough to Miami University. Both men had already made names for themselves as football stars, and their paths were about to intertwine in an extraordinary way. Smith’s coaching philosophy always extended beyond the playbook; he treated his players like family. He famously told them, “You may not be looking for a father but I’m going to treat you like my son,” a statement that would later take on profound new meaning.
This approach fostered an incredibly strong bond between McCullough and Smith. McCullough recalled feeling an immediate “connection” to his coach, a sense of belonging he hadn’t fully experienced before. This bond deepened through significant life events, including a “catastrophic knee injury” that ended McCullough’s preseason game with Smith as his coach. During this difficult time, Smith became the “steady father figure Deland never had,” as reported by Kathy Park on the Today Show. This early relationship laid the foundation for a truth that was waiting to be uncovered.
A Quest for Identity Leads to an Unbelievable Revelation
Years passed, careers flourished, and lives unfolded. Deland McCullough went on to play for the Cincinnati Bengals and later became a respected running backs coach for teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders. Yet, a part of him still sought answers about his biological origins. In 2017, after becoming a father himself, McCullough decided to embark on the search for his birth parents.
His quest led him to his biological mother, who lived surprisingly close—just 10 minutes away from him. The reunion was undoubtedly emotional, but the most astounding revelation was yet to come. When McCullough asked about his birth father, his mother simply stated, “your dad is a man named Sherman Smith.” The news was nothing short of miraculous, an almost unbelievable twist of fate that brought his lifelong mentor into focus as his biological father.
The subsequent reunion between father and son was filled with raw emotion. McCullough recounted how Smith “opened the door and he just opened his arms and said, ‘my son.'” For Smith, the news was equally shocking. He had been unaware that McCullough’s birth mother, a former friend, had given birth to their son. He described their story on the Today Show as “divine,” proclaiming, “There’s no way to write this … you just have to believe this is God.” The sheer improbability of their journey, from strangers to mentor and mentee, to finally father and son, captivated audiences nationwide, as detailed by Today.com.
Shared Legacies: More Than Just a Game
As their story unfolded, the incredible parallels between their lives became strikingly evident, suggesting a connection that ran deeper than mere mentorship. Both Sherman Smith and Deland McCullough carved out impressive careers in football, sharing remarkably similar trajectories:
- Both were inducted into the Hall of Fame at Miami University.
- Both went on to play professionally in the NFL.
- Both saw their playing careers conclude due to multiple knee surgeries.
- After their playing days, both pursued careers in education.
- In a humorous anecdote, McCullough pointed out that both also went to the Super Bowl multiple times and, “unfortunately, both of us lose to Tom Brady.”
These shared experiences highlight an extraordinary alignment of paths, almost as if destiny had charted a course for them to continually intersect and mirror each other’s lives even before their biological connection was known. This unique aspect of their story resonates deeply with fans who appreciate the intricate tapestry of sports and personal destiny.
From Book to Big Screen: The Story Continues
The powerful narrative of Deland McCullough and Sherman Smith has understandably captured widespread attention. McCullough’s book, Runs In The Family: An Incredible True Story of Football, Fatherhood, and Belonging, offers an in-depth account of their journey, providing fans with practical guidance on navigating identity and family revelations. The book has become a valuable resource for anyone interested in stories of adoption, mentorship, and unexpected family bonds.
Beyond the pages, the possibility of a movie adaptation is now in the works, allowing their incredible story to reach an even wider audience. When asked who he would want to portray him on the big screen, Sherman Smith playfully suggested, “I want Denzel Washington to play me.” This casting choice not only speaks to Smith’s larger-than-life presence but also reflects the profound impact his mentorship has had, often drawing comparisons to inspiring figures in sports dramas, as noted by People.com.
The story of Deland McCullough and Sherman Smith is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary connections are hidden in plain sight, waiting for the right moment to be revealed. It underscores the enduring truth that football, beyond being a game, often brings families together in the most unexpected and beautiful ways.
