Introduction
Snoop Dogg is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, media personality, entrepreneur, and actor who was born as Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr. on October 20, 1971 in Long Beach, California. He first began his music career in 1992 when he was discovered by Dr. Dre and featured on Dre’s solo debut album The Chronic. Snoop rocketed to fame and quickly became one of the most recognizable faces of West Coast hip hop and gangsta rap during the 1990s. He has released numerous successful albums over the past three decades including classics like Doggystyle (1993), Tha Doggfather (1996), and more recently albums like Neva Left (2017) and From Tha Streets 2 Tha Suites (2021). Beyond his prolific music career where he has sold over 35 million albums worldwide, Snoop has also appeared in various films and TV shows. He even coached a youth football league for at-risk children for several years. Before his iconic rap career began however, Snoop Dogg actually got his start playing football beginning with his high school team.
High School Football Career
Snoop Dogg attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School where he excelled playing football as a standout defensive back. According to his high school coach, Curtis McCauley, who described him as a “gifted athlete”, Snoop played defensive back and wide receiver (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coach_Snoop).
As a defensive back, Snoop racked up 49 tackles and 4 interceptions in his senior year, which led to First Team All-League honors. He also contributed 6 catches for 106 yards and 3 touchdowns at wide receiver (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coach_Snoop). With Snoop’s skills, Long Beach Poly’s football team was a powerhouse, compiling a record of 15-1 and finishing #7 in the nation during his senior season in 1989.
For his high school football accomplishments, Snoop Dogg made the Long Beach Press-Telegram’s Best in the West list for defensive backs. This recognition as one of the top prep players in California cemented his status as a high-profile recruit for college football programs (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coach_Snoop).
College Recruitment
As a top high school football prospect, Snoop Dogg drew interest from several major college programs. He was recruited by schools like USC, UCLA, and Washington. However, Snoop Dogg ultimately committed to play college football at the University of Southern California (USC)
According to sources, Snoop Dogg chose USC because of its tradition of excellence in football and track record of sending players to the NFL. Located near his hometown in Long Beach, USC also offered him the opportunity to play close to home. The USC Trojans had a strong team at the time, winning Rose Bowl titles, and Snoop saw the potential to win championships with the program.
Sources:
https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/5-star-recruit-teams-up-with-snoop-dogg-to-announce-his-commitment
Snoop Dogg shouts out one of Michigan football’s latest commits
College Football Career
Snoop Dogg played college football at Long Beach City College and then the University of Southern California (USC). At Long Beach City College, he was a standout defensive back and earned Junior College All-American honors in his sophomore season in 1989 [1]. His play caught the attention of major college programs, and he transferred to USC on a full athletic scholarship. At USC, Snoop Dogg played defensive back and wide receiver. Though he showed promise, his time there was short-lived.
After two years at USC, Snoop Dogg decided to forgo his final two seasons of NCAA eligibility to pursue a music career. He had become disillusioned with the strict rules and practices of the football program. Additionally, he was starting to taste success with his rap group 213, which made the decision easier. Though his football career ended prematurely, Snoop Dogg later said the discipline and work ethic he learned from football helped him as he built his rap career [1].
Pivot to Music
Snoop Dogg’s passion for music developed while he was still playing football in high school. He started making homemade rap tapes with his cousins Nate Dogg and Lil’ 1⁄2 Dead and friend Warren G as early as sixth grade. By the time he was a sophomore at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, Snoop was already a skilled rapper performing at school dances and parties. According to Snoop, he was also “getting in trouble,” and the coaches wanted him to be more focused on football. However, his love for hip-hop could not be denied.
After graduating high school in 1989, Snoop was arrested for cocaine possession and spent the next 3 years in and out of prison. With his football dreams derailed, he decided to devote himself fully to rapping and leave sports behind. Snoop started making music with his longtime friend Warren G and his producer Dr. Dre. Snoop’s smooth vocal delivery and innovative flow earned him tremendous buzz in the hip-hop scene. When Dr. Dre featured Snoop on his 1992 solo debut The Chronic, Snoop skyrocketed to fame. Hits like “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” and “Gin and Juice” made Snoop a household name. While football may have been his first passion, Snoop’s raw talent and charisma made him one of the biggest rap stars of the 1990s.
Looking Back on Football
Despite his success in music, Snoop Dogg still reflects fondly on his football days. In an interview with The Burton Wire, Snoop said, “Football kept me out of trouble, kept me focused and on the right path” (The Burton Wire, 2015). He credits football with teaching him leadership, teamwork, and determination.
Football also impacted Snoop’s music career. In an interview with Final Call, Snoop explained how football helped make him a performer, saying “It prepped me and it put me into the mindset of being a performer….You know, being in front of a crowd, commanding a crowd, working with a team” (Final Call, 2010).
Although his football dreams ended after college, Snoop took important life lessons with him that he still applies today. He runs a youth football league to give back to the sport that gave him so much.
Potential NFL Career
Snoop Dogg is often regarded as one of the most talented youth football prospects of his era. Though he never played in the NFL, many experts believe he had the physical gifts and talent to succeed at the pro level. According to https://www.essentiallysports.com, Snoop Dogg was a standout player at Long Beach Polytechnic High School and received over a dozen scholarship offers from top college programs. At 6’4″ and built like a wide receiver, he likely could have played that position or even tight end in the NFL.
His high school coach has stated that “Snoop was one of the best athletes we’ve ever had at Poly. He could have played defensive back, wide receiver, even outside linebacker at the pro level. He had the size, speed, instincts – the total package.” According to https://www.sportingnews.com, scouts projected Snoop as a mid-round pick had he chosen to enter the NFL draft. Though his rap career took off instead, many believe he could have carved out a successful professional football career as well.
Football Influences
Snoop Dogg’s background in football heavily influenced his music career and public image. As a talented high school and college football player, Snoop frequently references the sport in his songs and music videos. His smooth, laidback flow is often compared to a quarterback’s grace under pressure.
Tracks like “2 Minute Warning” and “Game Recognize Game” use football as a metaphor for success in the rap game. Album covers and music videos feature Snoop wearing football jerseys and gear. He is closely associated with the Pittsburgh Steelers due to his hometown of Long Beach, California.
Recent collaborations with ESPN and “Monday Night Football” embrace this intersection between sports and music. Snoop’s 2022 Super Bowl Halftime appearance with Dr. Dre highlighted these football roots for a massive audience. Guest appearances from athletes and coaches have connected Snoop’s music to gridiron greatness.
Though sidelined by tragedy from a potential pro career, Snoop’s love for football shines through decades later. Had his close friend not been killed shortly before starting college, Snoop Dogg may have become a football star rather than rap legend.
Youth Football Involvement
Snoop Dogg has been dedicated to giving back to youth football in the inner city of Los Angeles for over a decade. He started the Snoop Youth Football League in 2005 to provide opportunities for inner city kids to play organized football and learn important life lessons. The league has coached thousands of kids and gives them a chance to compete and have fun.
Snoop is very involved in coaching and mentoring the players. He attends games and practices to provide guidance and inspiration. According to the NFL, “Snoop’s love of the game led him to creating the Snoop Youth Football League in 2005 to provide kids between the ages of five and thirteen the chance to participate in youth football, learn the fundamentals of the game and provide them with positive role models.”1 Even when he can’t attend in person, Snoop does video conferences with the players to give them pep talks and advice.
The league has been praised for keeping kids active, building character, and steering them away from violence. Through his dedicated involvement in youth football, Snoop uses his platform and resources to provide transformative opportunities for underserved kids.
Conclusion
In summary, Snoop Dogg had an accomplished high school football career where he was a standout player on his high school team. He was highly recruited by many top colleges for his athletic abilities. Though his college football career was cut short due to issues off the field, his brief time playing football shaped him in many ways. While Snoop Dogg will forever be known for his prolific rap career that spawned over decades, his time as an athlete was an important foundation that enabled that later success. Football taught him discipline, determination, and competitiveness – skills that allowed him to hustle as an aspiring rapper and reach international stardom. Even as his music legacy lives on, Snoop Dogg continues to show his passion for football through coaching and his ownership stake in a professional football league.
