Snoop Dogg has worn many hats over a decorated career that’s spanned more than three decades, shining as a rapper, media personality, actor - and even football coach.
Back in 2005, the rap icon founded the “Snoop Youth Football League” as an after-school program for Los Angeles youth ranging between the ages of 5-13. The non-profit has since grown into a nationwide organization featuring 14-15 teams, logos based off of NFL teams and a culminating game fittingly dubbed the ‘Snooper Bowl.’
Over the years, Snoop has served as one of the league’s premier coaches, mentoring many of the young kids participants in the program - including two of his sons, Corde (nicknamed "Spank") and Cordell ("Rook"). It’s these relationships with the kids that has motivated the 52-year-old to continue giving back to his community.
“My drive is I used to be one of those kids,” he said during a Raising Cane’s employee appreciation conference that Mirror U.S. Sports attended.
“You know, I used to be the same kid that I take care of or that I give the opportunity to. I was that same kid that wished and hoped and dreamed that a superstar, a celebrity was that close to me that I could touch him and ask him a question.
“So when I became that, my job was to come back and become the touchable entertainer, the one that you can talk to, the one that you can hold on to or cry to or celebrate with. So the kids, being engaged with those babies, I love the kids.
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“I love [coaching] because of the fact that they want to learn, and I feel like I have so much knowledge to give to them,” Snoop added. “And when you're in a position that I'm in, you get some sort of power with the kids where they kind of believe everything you say. So I don't abuse that power, I try to take advantage of it, and give them things that I never had and give them things that I wanted as a kid.”
Several active NFL players got their first taste of football while competing in the Snoop Youth Football League, including Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs, Kansas City Chiefs wideout Juju Smith-Schuster, Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones and San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir. But the title of most notable SYFL alumni goes to Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud , who actively boasts the highest selling jersey in the league following a breakout rookie campaign.
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At 12-years-old, Stroud joined the Pomona Steelers of the SYFL, going on to play two seasons in the league. Recalling the 22-year-old’s early playing days, Snoop told ESPN: "It's special because [Stroud] is exactly what we breed kids to be.
"Good students, good athletes, respecting their elders, their parents and being a great listener. C.J. was a great listener. That's why he's translating on that football field into a great leader.
"I like to get information from him because he's the future. ... So to be able to tap in with the youth and stay active. That's a gift, and I love the fact that my football league has created that."
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