Who is Alex Freeman? Meet USMNT player and son of former Packers All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Freeman

Sports history is speckled with famous families. The DiMaggios, Boones, Bondses, Griffeys, and Carrasquels all made their marks on the diamond, while LeBron and Bronny James continue to capture hoop headlines. Then, there's soccer, a sport marked by tradition. Various father-son duos have emerged as of late — think the Maldinis, Schmeichels, or Weahs.

In recent years, another phenomenon has taken shape: children of famed non-soccer athletes have begun strutting to the pitches, seemingly spurning their "birthright" in the hopes of achieving soccer glory.

Often, they have done just that. Trinity Rodman is one of the sport's grandest talents, picking up a raft of accolades in her still burgeoning career. Moroccan star Amir Richardson has done similarly, landing a Ligue 2 Team of the Year honor as a member of Le Havre's title-winning side.

It was only a matter of time before a former NFLer's child got into the mix, and with MLS prospect Alex Freeman earning a call-up to the USMNT, it seems as good a time as ever to revisit his relationship with his well-known father, former Packers wideout Antonio Freeman.

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Here's what you need to know.

Who is Alex Freeman?

Alex Freeman is a 20-year-old fullback and winger who plays for MLS side Orlando City. The Baltimore native has enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2025, making 14 appearances for the Lions. Deployed in both attack and defense, the 6-3 dribbler shows a real penchant for flying up and down the right flank.

With three goals and one assist across 1,200 minutes, Alex Freeman has established himself as one of Orlando City's more dynamic attackers. He's a raider with the ball at his feet, and he's adept at slaloming past outstretched defenders on one-on-ones, using precise footwork and timing to blitz beyond his opposition.

I know this isn't a novel take or anything at this point, but Alex Freeman is downright scary in the open field. He's got every tool you could want from a modern fullback. I can't wait to see him get his shot with the USMNT.pic.twitter.com/Gut4W6vzYF

— Ben Wright (@benwright) May 19, 2025

Perhaps his famous father is to blame. Antonio Freeman was a formidable route-runner during his pomp, collecting 477 catches for 7,251 and 61 touchdowns during his glint nine-year career.

— Packers History (@HistoricPackers) January 27, 2025

He had reason to believe that his son could reach football's upper echelons. He couldn't predict which version he would take a liking to, though.

“Of course, every dad’s dream as a former athlete is that I’m going to have my hands on him, I’m going to teach him, I’m going to show him the nuances and the tricks of the trade,” Antonio Freeman said, via The Athletic.

Alex Freeman embraced the beautiful game. His passion yielded positive results; he went from strength-to-strength in his youth career, showing flashes of his potential in youth tournaments across the country.  In 2020, he joined Orlando City's academy. By the end of 2021, he was an MLS Next Cup U-17 champion. In 2022, he inked a homegrown deal with the big-league side.

Initially pegged as a winger, Alex Freeman has taken to right back admirably since making his professional debut back in 2023. His development has garnered plenty of praise, with manager Oscar Pareja making his feelings known about the youngster during a recent presser.

Only a handful of games into the MLS season but there’s already a contender for the Breakout Player of the Year in Alex Freeman. A 20 year old fullback; he’s relentless & his athleticism allows him to be effective both on & off the ball. 2 goals & 1 assist; 4 ball recoveries p/90 https://t.co/eDmiEVmFv5 pic.twitter.com/6mGrK5x2U5

— Vuyo Regálo II (@RegaloJnr) March 24, 2025

“We’re very happy to see the development on Alex,” Pareja said. “Kids play when they deserve to play. They know that when they play, they have to match the level and keep it, and that’s what he’s doing. Alex is growing. The opportunity that came to him, he has been taking it… I’m excited with him, and the competition that he has behind him is not easy… He’s growing at the point that I think he needs to be seen by the national team.”

While his inclusion in the USMNT camp doesn't guarantee he'll make an appearance, Alex Freeman looks well on his way to making his mark on the international level. Moreover, he'll be doing it on his own terms.

“It’s kind of good to create my own story,” Freeman said last week. “To be able to maybe step away from the fact that my dad was a professional football player and just try to create my own narrative.”