Recently, the multi-platinum, Grammy-winning, youth football-coaching rapper Snoop Dogg used Instagram to let the A7FL know he wants in the full contact no pads no helmet league.
“I. Want In. D.M. Me”
For those who are unaware of Snoop’s connection to football, this may seem odd, but we can confirm that it’s not. Here’s why…
Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus Jr. grew up just south of Los Angeles in Long Beach, dreaming of playing for the USC Trojans. But his football dreams were put to the side as he worked to break into the ultra competitive music business. Thankfully, Snoop has enjoyed stratospheric musical success beginning with his first album Doggystyle, produced by Dr. Dre, debuting at #1 on the Billboard chart. But even as he enjoyed multiple #1 hits and branched out into other fields including film, TV, and professional wrestling,, Snoop has done everything he can to make his old dreams a reality for the kids in LA.
In 2005, Snoop launched the Snoop Youth Football League. Its inaugural season saw over 1,300 kids participate and the league currently has teams based all over California. Ater each season, the league’s all-stars are given the opportunity to travel to play other all-star teams. In an annual “Snooperbowl,” the players have a unique opportunity to play in front of thousands of fans and, for most of the kids, travel from outside of California for the first time in their lives.
And these kids are serious about their football. So far, 5 players have made it to the NFL: De’Anthony Thomas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, John Ross, Iman Marshall, and Ronnie Hillman (who was a big part of the Broncos Super Bowl-winning 2015 season). Snoop Dogg even turned his league’s unique mission and success into the series Coach Snoop which premiered on Netflix in 2018.
And Snoop’s love of football runs in his family. His son Cordell Broadus was a highly recruited high school wide receiver, with scholarship offers from multiple D1 schools including USC, Oregon State and Notre Dame. After initially committing to Arizona, he switched to UCLA where he played for one season.
Snoop is clearly just a sports lover, cheering for teams including teams ranging from the NFL’s Rams, Raiders and Steelers, to the Dodgers and the Lakers. A big hockey fan, he’s often seen wearing a Pittsburgh Penguins jersey and he featured the AHL’s Springfield Indians in the music video for his smash hit song “Gin and Juice.”
Given this background, Snoops’ interest in the A7FL makes a lot of sense. First, he (and many other athletes and celebrities) see the league highlights and viral videos on social media. Second, the A7FL emphasizes players that have amazing skills (but did not have the opportunity to progress to the next level of the sport) and local rivalries (something Snoop knows all about). Our teams are integral parts of their communities which someone like Snoop, with strong Southern California ties, can appreciate.
Finally, while the league originated in the Northeast, there’s a Southern California division that’s been practicing since 2019 and is set to launch next year. As part of the A7FL, Snoop wouldn’t even have to leave home and he could take the next step in his football journey. Is there anyone who wouldn’t want to hear Snoop commentate A7FL games? Or have Snoop put together the best team he can from the talent where he grew up?
Stay tuned!
