Dabo Swinney, 'It's Amazing The People Who Are Associated With This University'
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When longtime actor Mark Wahlberg, star of “Flight Risk” (Jan. 24, 2025), was spotted in Tigertown for Family Weekend (Sept. 15-17, 2023), many people were initially perplexed by his presence in the Upstate.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was asked about having Wahlberg on campus following the Tigers’ 48-14 win over FAU.
"You're showing your age. You got to be over 50 to know 'Good Vibrations,' right?" Swinney joked, referencing Wahlberg’s early career as rapper Marky Mark. Before starring in films like “Three Kings” and “Boogie Nights”, Wahlberg made his entertainment debut as the frontman of Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, whose song "Good Vibrations" topped the charts in 1991.
“It's amazing the people who are associated with this university. His daughter goes here, or maybe you didn't know that — and it's Parents Weekend,” continued Swinney. “I guess that's why he was in town. It's cool to be able to meet Marky Mark.”
Wahlberg’s daughter, Ella, is a Clemson student, and her father fully embraced the school spirit on his visit—lifting weights with the players, tailgating with fans, and even taking selfies at fraternity parties.
While Wahlberg was soaking in the college atmosphere, another famous father, Ian Poulter, made his first trip to Death Valley for Clemson’s 42-21 win over Georgia Tech on Nov. 11, 2023. Poulter, a LIV golfer, and three-time PGA tour winner, attended the game with his daughter, Aimee, a senior Art major minoring in Business Administration. She arrived on campus in 2020, and her father proudly documented his Clemson football experience during Military Appreciation Day.
Under Swinney’s leadership, Clemson has risen to prominence, winning two national championships (2016, 2018), but the program has also attracted athletes with high-profile family ties.
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (2021-24), set to play in Super Bowl LIX, is the son of Eagles legend Jeremiah Trotter. Former linebacker Mike Jones Jr. (2018-21) is the brother of Grammy-winning singer/actress Coco Jones, who performed the national anthem at the 2025 CFP National Championship game. Former wide receiver Seth Ryan (2013-16) is the son of NFL analyst Rex Ryan, while Jake (2019-21) and Tye Herbstreit (2019-23), twin sons of ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit, both suited up for the Tigers. Even former receiver Beaux Collins (2021-23) has a unique connection, as his father, D'Andre, once worked for the late legendary music producer Quincy Jones.
Swinney played no direct role in Ella Wahlberg or Aimee Poulter choosing Clemson, however, his influence was a factor in freshman golfer Jacob Immelman becoming a Tiger.
Immelman, son of CBS golf analyst and 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman has been a lifelong Tigers fan. His family’s ties to the program trace back to 2008, when his father met Swinney through close friend Rich Davies, a former Clemson kicker from 1982 to 1985. The Immelman family was in attendance when Clemson won the national title in 2016.
Here are a few players on the current roster with notable family members:
Caleb Nix, S, Brother, Bo, is the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos.
Keith Adams Jr., RB, Son of Clemson Hall of Fame and NFL linebacker Keith Adams. He is also the grandson of the late Julius Adams, who played 16 seasons with the New England Patriots.
Cole Turner, WR, Late father, Kevin, played eight years with New England and Philadelphia. Brother Nolan was a safety at Clemson (2016-21) and Tampa Bay (2022).
Jamal Anderson Jr., LB, Father Jamal Anderson played eight years in the NFL and led the NFC in rushing. He's also known for the "Dirty Bird" touchdown dance.
Armon Mason, DE, Son of the late Anthony Mason, who had a 13-year NBA career, and won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award (1995). Cousin of Atlanta Falcons and former Clemson standout defensive tackle Grady Jarrett.
“That guy is fast and explosive. He came here about 190 pounds knowing nothing. Now he’s about 235. He’s got about a 38-inch vertical. He can really run and change direction. He can bend." -- Dabo Swinney on Mason --Caden Story, DT, Nephew of 14-year former NFL tight end Marcus Pollard.
Brayden Jacobs, OL, son of two-time New York Giants Super Bowl champion running back Brandon Jacobs.
Avieon Terrell, CB, Older brother is Atlanta Falcons and former Clemson cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr.
Harris Sewell, OL, Uncle Will Cain, a political/sports analyst, is the host of the 'The Will Cain Show' on Fox News.
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Jaheim Lawson, DE, Younger brother of former Clemson All-American and NFL defensive end Shaq Lawson.
Kobe McCloud, LB, Brother Ray-Ray McCloud is a former Clemson and current Atlanta Falcons receiver/punt returner.
Logan Brookings, TE, Father Keith was a five-time Pro Bowl linebacker with the Atlanta Falcons.
Notables from other sports:
Men's Basketball
Chase, GR, and Dillon Hunter, JR, Late father Brice Hunter played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1996-98), and mom, Brandi, is a real estate expert with home sales to rappers Cardi B and Fetty Wap, singer/reality star Kandi Burrus, professional athletes (NFL, NBA), etc.
Gymnastics
Eve Jackson, SR, Father Byron is a 20-year sports editor/producer and a former pro football player. Uncle Desean Jackson, a three-time Pro Bowler, spent 15 seasons in the NFL.
Women's Basketball
Loyal McQueen, GR, Father Derrick McQueen (1988-92) is fourth all-time in assists at Wake Forest.
Baseball
Dion Brown, FR, Son of former South Carolina and NFL cornerback Sheldon Brown.
Steele Burd, FR, Uncle Shane Monahan, played baseball in the MLB and at Clemson (1993-95), where he was 1995 ACC Player-of-the-Year.
Women's Soccer
Dani Lynch, SO, Niece of NFL Hall of Famer John Lynch, the general manager of the 49ers, and sister of former Clemson soccer player/graduate Ally Lynch (2021-24), a fifth-year senior at Purdue.
Women's Golf
Isabella Rawls, JR, Niece of Clemson sports radio broadcaster Mickey Plyler.