Stamp Of Approval: 10 NFL Players Who Score Big Points With Hip-Hop Fans

The year of 50 will soon be upon us. No, we’re not talking Curtis Jackson (although the Effen vodka slinger could and likely would argue differently).

When the 2015/2016 NFL season officially kicked off last week, it marked the beginning of the pro-football battle royal for a chip in Super Bowl 50.

Although it’s a team sport, football is a game of countless stars that diehard fans either love or hate. Around these parts, it’s the athletes that defy struggle both on and off the field who get our stamp of approval. Having an equal love for the culture and the game doesn’t hurt either.

Hit the flip for a list of NFL players who score big points with Hip-Hop fans. If you’re looking to stay on top of all the NFL action be sure to hook up with XFINITY®, which provides the most live sports with 24/7 sports coverage on all major networks. Plus, catch live games on all your mobile devices with the XFINITY TV app.

Marshawn Lynch

What’s not to love about Beast Mode? His end zone antics make any game he’s in worth watching. His consistent refusal to be interviewed is legendary in its comic relief no matter how many fines he incurs as a result. He’s the total embodiment of Hip-Hop bravado. A man of few words, Marshawn is “’bout that action, boss.”

Chad Johnson

Although Chad hasn’t played in the NFL for a couple of seasons now (he’s currently playing for the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL), it’s hard not to mention the player formerly known as Chad Ochocinco when talking Hip-Hop-approved players. He led the revolution of wearing gold fronts on the gridiron. Classic, man, and we’re not talking Jidenna.

Odell Beckham, Jr.

In 2014, Beckham was to the NFL what Bobby Shmurda was to Hip-Hop. Sound like a stretch? Well, hear us out. OBJ’s stellar debut season last year earned him Rookie of the Year honors, yada, yada, yada… Just like Shmurda’s debut single was on heavy rotation on the radio, television and in clubs, Beckham’s one-handed, three-fingered touchdown grab against the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football received heavy burn on every sports channel and commercial during and after the season ended. Hell, the catch helped him earn the Madden 16 cover.

Victor Cruz

Cruz is to the NFL what…ah, never mind. Have you seen VC’s signature Nike shoe??? It looks like the Jordan 3s, Bo Jacksons and Yeezys got busy in a Burger King bathroom and popped out these kicks. Boyz in the ’hood will be salsa dancing their way to a Foot Locker to cop a pair real soon.

https://instagram.com/p/5isIMwuNhi/

DeSean Jackson

The Washington Washington Football Team’s No. 1 receiver is fast and brash. Giants fans are still fuming about this. But when it comes to Jackson and Hip-Hop, four words…Diamonds. On. My. Neck. Enjoy.

https://instagram.com/p/xajCQ2I3Le/

Johnny Manziel

The “Summer of Manziel” in 2014 paved the way for “Get Money” TD celebrations and epic parties in Vegas that would make Rob Gronkowski envious. Then there was “Draft Day”, the musical dedication by his chum, Aubrey Graham, that dropped days before Manziel was selected by the Cleveland Browns.

https://instagram.com/p/6C4z2pmdl1/

Richard Sherman

Brash. Loud. Expressive. Braggadocious. If all those characteristics aren’t the pillars of Hip-Hop, then you probably think that Skip Bayless “is better at life” than the All-Pro Stanford graduate. Furthermore, the Seattle Seahawks’ premier cornerback and resident trash talker gets cool points for being vocal about big social issues. Fight the power, indeed.

 

Terrell Owens

It’s safe to say that T.O. was the first emo baller before emo rap became chic. After being the NFL’s biggest and boldest showman in the early 21^st Century as part of the San Francisco 49ers (infamous touchdown celebrations abound, involving sharpies, gold pompoms and running all the way to the Dallas Cowboys’ 50-yard line just to show his greatness), T.O. devolved into pure struggle. In both Philadelphia and Dallas, he was nothing more than a blubbering vet that was way too much into his own feelings. Put on a Drake instrumental as background music while watching one of his tear-jerking press conferences, and you’ll get it.

LeSean McCoy

When your nickname is “Shady” and you’re not a white rapper from the 313 Hip-Hop heads will take notice. And be real, the newest Buffalo Bills’ signature “Shady Bounce” touchdown celebration is infectious as hell. Just ask choreographer, Ms. Boom-kack, Laurieann Gibson.

Michael Vick

The veteran signal caller who revolutionized the quarterback position way back when, has unfortunately had his rep stained by his off-field indiscretions. And for that, rappers will always use Vick’s name in any and all lines involving canine analogies.

Stamp Of Approval: 10 NFL Players Who Score Big Points With Hip-Hop Fans  was originally published on hiphopwired.com