⁠Alex Freeman headed the U.S. team into the next round with his first international goal. In doing so, he continued a legacy that began in the NFL. His father once won the Super Bowl and played in the very same stadium where his son now celebrated his goal.

The name Freeman sends shivers down the spines of Green Bay fans. Antonio Freeman was one of the best wide receivers in Packers history during the 1990s and early 2000s—and with his son Alex, the name is now making its mark in a completely different sport.

In the U.S.’s 2-0 victory over Australia at the home World Cup, the 21-year-old defender scored his first international goal with a header and played a decisive role in helping the co-hosts advance to the Round of 16 ahead of schedule. It was particularly emotional: The game took place in Seattle, the very same place where his father had celebrated a victory nearly 30 years earlier.

On September 29, 1996, Antonio Freeman, a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, scored two touchdowns against the Seattle Seahawks.

It was one of the defining seasons of his career: A few months later, in Super Bowl XXXI against the New England Patriots, he caught an 81-yard touchdown pass from Brett Favre—at the time, the longest touchdown pass in Super Bowl history. The Packers won the game 35–21.

Antonio Freeman: Three Consecutive NFL Seasons with Over 1,000 Receiving Yards

Antonio Freeman played for the Packers from 1995 to 2001 and again in 2003, with a one-year stint for the Philadelphia Eagles in between. He enjoyed his most productive stretch between 1997 and 1999, when he racked up over 1,000 receiving yards in three consecutive seasons and led the Packers.

His best year was 1998: 84 catches, 1,424 yards (a league high), 14 touchdowns, and his only Pro Bowl selection.

By the end of his ten NFL seasons, he had 477 catches, 7,251 receiving yards, and 61 touchdowns to his credit. With his team, he reached the NFC Championship Game four times and the Super Bowl twice.

NFL Prolific Freeman Raves About His Father

The fact that his father is a true league legend clearly drives Alex Freeman. “I think things have come full circle for me,” the defender said after his World Cup goal.

“It’s incredible to have a successful father who can guide and support me so that I’m prepared for moments like this.”

For the U.S., this was already their second win in their second group stage match of the home World Cup. Cameron Burgess had put the Americans ahead with an own goal (11th minute), before Freeman Jr. added another with a header (43rd minute). Before advancing to the next round, they now face their final group stage match against Turkey, which has already been eliminated.