Snoop Dogg’s Youth League: C.J Stroud’s Gateway to NFL Stardom

Football player C.J. Stroud first showcased his talent in 2014 as a twelve-year-old playing in the Pomona Steelers team. The team was a part of Snoop Dogg’s Youth Football League, and games were held east of downtown Los Angeles.

C.J. Stroud, now quarterback for the Houston Texans, got his chance early with Coach Priest Brooks and Snoop Dogg. He was noticed by Coach Brooks in 2014 and was quickly recruited. Snoop Dogg’s league, started in 2005, offered an affordable way for children aged between five to thirteen to play football.

Kimberly Stroud, C.J.’s mother, initially had concerns about a football league backed by a rapper. However, she soon realized that the environment was safe and encouraging for young kids and thanked the league for its support.

Following his early experiences, C.J. Stroud went on to shine at Ohio State University before becoming the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, he helped guide the Texans to their first playoff run in four years and claimed the Offensive Rookie of the Year title.

Over the years, Snoop Dogg’s Youth Football League has produced over forty NFL players, including JuJu Smith-Schuster, Romeo Doubs, and Jack Jones. In a 2023 interview on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown, C.J. Stroud humorously recalled, “Damn, we’re at Snoop Dogg’s crib!”

Snoop Dogg has stated that he holds his contributions to the NFL through his league in high regard, saying “I got 20 nominations for Grammys, zero wins. But I got 40-something kids in the NFL. I won it all.” Snoop Dogg’s Youth Football League currently aims to teach over 60,000 kids teamwork and discipline through football.