When All-Pac-12 safety Ed Reynolds decided to attend Stanford, he had no idea so many of his teammates were sons of former NFL players.

“Honestly, it's really a coincidence,” said Reynolds, whose father Ed played 10 seasons as a linebacker for the New England Patriots and New York Giants. “For the longest time, I didn't realize how many guys on the team had dads who played in the NFL. More and more names came out and reporters started asking about it and I was like, ‘Wow.' It really opened my eyes because I had no clue.”

This year's Stanford team, ranked No. 5 in the country, boasts 10 sons of former pros with a collective 74 years of NFL experience. The Cardinal visit Army on Saturday.

The fathers include Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders (son Barry) and Pro Bowl offensive lineman Bob Whitfield (Kodi), who was a college teammate of current Stanford coach David Shaw with the Cardinal.

Sam Seale, the father of running back Ricky, played cornerback in the NFL for 10 seasons.

The remaining fathers who played in the NFL are Tom Carter (Alex), Chris Davis (Noor), Scott Garnett (Josh), Jeff Davidson (Nick), Todd Peat (Andrus) and George Reihner (Kevin).

“(The dads) all had a chance to interact with another Stanford guy when they played,” said Mike Sanford, the program's recruiting coordinator. “They saw that guy be successful outside of football, as well. Barry Sanders knew Stanford guys throughout his career. That's something he wanted for his son.”

Of the 10 current players, three are starters (Reynolds; Carter, a cornerback; and Peat, who plays tackle).

“It's not too big for them, because they've been around it their whole lives,” Shaw said during a recent interview.

Following Wednesday's practice, Reynolds was asked if there are advantages to having a father who played in the NFL. Does having so many players on the same team with NFL fathers give Stanford a competitive edge?

“It definitely helped my growth as a player, just being around the game as long as I have been,” said Reynolds, a senior who recorded six interceptions and returned three for touchdowns in 2012. “My dad was a player, but he also worked 12 years with the NFL office. He would travel to games, and I would go with him. I've been around football for a long time.”

What was the most important thing he learned from his father?

“One thing my dad has always emphasized is being professional,” Reynolds said. “Have fun playing the game that I love, but be professional. Take focus every day of the little things until it becomes a strength instead of a weakness. That's what I applied to my daily routine as early as 13 when I started playing.”

“I first met Ed Reynolds as a junior in high school. I'd known his dad for years,” Shaw said. “I felt like I was talking to someone the same age as me. Unbelievably mature.”

Reynolds emphasized that while having a father who played in the NFL may open doors, it doesn't guarantee individual success on the field.

“It depends on how each person's dad interacted with them,” said Reynolds, who selected Stanford over North Carolina and Virginia (his father's alma mater). “I can't speak for everyone else because our experiences are different. I think the thing that definitely comes through all of us is our appreciation for the game and our love for it. Football's not something you decide you love one day and hate the next. It's one of those things you have a passion for and want to excel at it. That's what drives us.”

John Harris is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at jharris@tribweb.com or via Twitter @JHarris_Trib.

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