Runs in the Family

An Incredible True Story of Football, Fatherhood, and Belonging

By: Sarah Spain, Deland McCullough

Narrated by: Sarah Spain, Deland McCullough

A revelatory examination of the choices we make as parents and children, explored through the true story of an adopted Black man on a journey to find his biological family and discover where and to whom he truly belongs.

Runs in the Family follows the remarkable true story of Deland McCullough, a football coach and father of four whose life was forever changed by the unsealing of his adoption records. His hidden past harbored an astonishing secret.

In 1972, sixteen-year-old Carol Briggs gave birth to Jon Kenneth Briggs during a snowstorm in Pittsburgh and made the difficult decision to put him up for adoption, hoping he would land in a stable, two-parent household. Adopted by a well-known Youngstown, Ohio, radio DJ and his wife, Jon was renamed Deland McCullough. Deland’s childhood was far from idyllic, disrupted by his adoptive parents’ turbulent divorce and his mother’s subsequent abusive relationships.

Amid this uncertainty and instability at home, football became a sanctuary, providing Deland with mentorship and a sense of belonging. He learned to channel his insecurities and feelings of disconnection into an unrelenting drive to prove his doubters wrong and surpass the expectations others had for him.

After making the transition from professional player to respected coach, Deland’s longing to understand his origins intensified, driven by a desire to fill out his family medical history and piece together the fragmented parts of his identity. The search that ensued led to a life-altering discovery, an examination of family in all its forms, and an exploration of all the ways we inherit, learn, and disrupt generational trauma.

Based on Emmy and Peabody Award–winning sports journalist Sarah Spain’s viral ESPN article, Runs in the Family is an emotional examination of the sacrifices, choices, and nurturing that shape us and our loved ones. It offers a heartfelt testament to the profound impact of family and the kind of love and mentorship that can forge enduring bonds that transcend biology.

God knows the plan that he has for you.

If you do not believe in God after you listen to this story I will be praying for you. The Bible says that all things work together for those who Love the lord according to his purpose. Man what a purpose and story.

Belief and perseverance

I love every bit of it ! I cried at the end ! I wish they have a TV show

Incredible story that was well told

What an incredible story of ups and downs and surprises. This book is about belonging and unconditional love. I am grateful for the authors sharing this unique family and their discoveries and openness. This is an important story to hear or read no matter if you are a sports fan or not. This is a real story about real people.

An incredible and almost unbelievable story

I had the privilege of hearing Sherman and Deland speak live and in person this past week. After hearing their story, I simply had to listen to this book. I hated to go to sleep; I just wanted to keep listening. What incredible life lessons we can all learn from these two extraordinary men.

Amazing story!!!

I listened to this book in one day. Such an inspiring story!!! I loved it!!!!