John Bosa, still imposing at 6' 4" and 230 pounds, is squeezed on a leather couch in a quiet corner of a Columbus, Ohio, Italian spot, next to his son Nick, now some 40 pounds heavier than his dad. John is nursing a Dewar’s on the rocks. After talking for an hour about the future first-round pick by his side, the first-round pick of 32 years ago breaks down. He’s crying.

As well as any family this side of the Mannings, the Bosas—a kind of NFL pass-rushing monarchy—know this: Every kid in every draft has overcome obstacles. The hurdles aren’t making John Bosa emotional; it’s how Nick has dealt with them. “Every part of it, every bump in the road,” he says, patting his kid on the thigh, “whether it’s super highs or really dark moments, he’s just handled it. He’s just been amazing.”