Jalen Hurts is a rising star in the NFL, having led the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance in 2022. He is also a fan favorite of Snoop Dogg, the legendary rapper and actor who has shown his support and admiration for Hurts on several occasions. But are Jalen Hurts and Snoop Dogg related by blood or by friendship? Here is what we know about their connection.
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How Snoop Dogg Became a Fan of Jalen Hurts
Snoop Dogg is a well-known fan of sports, especially football. He has coached youth and high school football teams, hosted sports shows, and collaborated with athletes on various projects. He is also a vocal supporter of his favorite teams and players, often posting on social media or appearing on TV to express his opinions.
One of the players that Snoop Dogg has praised and followed closely is Jalen Hurts, the quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles. Snoop Dogg first noticed Hurts when he was playing college football for Alabama and Oklahoma, where he won several awards and championships. Snoop Dogg was impressed by Hurts’ skills, leadership, and resilience, especially when he led Alabama to a comeback victory in the 2018 SEC Championship game after being benched for most of the season.
Snoop Dogg posted a video on his Instagram story congratulating Hurts for his performance and calling him a “true champion”. He also said that he was proud of him and that he was one of his favorite players. Hurts responded by saying that Snoop Dogg was one of his favorite rappers and that he appreciated his shout-out.
How Snoop Dogg Defended Jalen Hurts Against the Media
Snoop Dogg’s admiration for Hurts continued when he entered the NFL as a second-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020. Hurts started his rookie season as a backup to Carson Wentz, but took over as the starter in Week 13 after Wentz struggled with injuries and turnovers. Hurts showed his potential as a dual-threat quarterback, throwing for 1,061 yards and six touchdowns, and rushing for 354 yards and three touchdowns in four games.
However, Hurts also faced criticism from some media outlets and analysts, who questioned his accuracy, decision-making, and long-term viability as a franchise quarterback. Some also compared him unfavorably to other young quarterbacks in the league, such as Kyler Murray, Lamar Jackson, and Justin Herbert.
Snoop Dogg was not happy with the negative coverage of Hurts and decided to speak up for him on Instagram. He posted a picture of Hurts with his father, Averion Hurts, who was his coach at Channelview High School in Texas. Snoop Dogg captioned the photo with a message to the media, asking them why they don’t highlight the role of Hurts’ father in his development as a player and a person.
Snoop Dogg wrote: “Why don’t y’all ever talk about this man’s father who coached him all through high school? Who taught him how to be a leader? Who taught him how to be humble? Who taught him how to be respectful? Who taught him how to be a winner? Who taught him how to be a champion? Who taught him how to be a man? Y’all always want to compare him to other quarterbacks who ain’t got nothing to do with him. Let this man live. Let this man grow. Let this man be Jalen Hurts.”
How Snoop Dogg Celebrated Jalen Hurts’ Super Bowl Run
Snoop Dogg’s support for Hurts paid off in 2022, when Hurts had a breakout season that earned him a Pro Bowl selection and a second-place finish in the MVP voting. He led the Eagles to a 13-3 record and the NFC East title, throwing for 3,701 yards and 22 touchdowns, and rushing for 579 yards and three touchdowns. He also set several franchise and league records, such as the most passing yards by an Eagles quarterback in a single season, the most rushing yards by an Eagles quarterback in a single season, and the most rushing touchdowns by an NFL quarterback in a single season.
Hurts also guided the Eagles to an impressive playoff run, defeating the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers on the road to reach Super Bowl LVII against the Kansas City Chiefs. In the NFC Championship game against the 49ers, Hurts put on a masterful performance against the best defense in the league, completing 25 of 32 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns, and running for 68 yards and another touchdown. He also set and tied multiple Super Bowl records, such as the most passing yards (412), the most passing touchdowns (4), the most total touchdowns (5), and the most completions (33).
Snoop Dogg was ecstatic about Hurts’ success and congratulated him on Instagram and Twitter. He also sent him a video message, telling him that he was proud of him and that he was one of the best three quarterbacks in the league. He also said that he was rooting for him to win the Super Bowl and that he would be watching the game with his family and friends.
Are Jalen Hurts and Snoop Dogg Related?
Despite their mutual admiration and frequent interactions, there is no evidence that Jalen Hurts and Snoop Dogg are related by blood or by marriage. Hurts is from Texas, while Snoop Dogg is from California. Hurts’ father is a football coach, while Snoop Dogg’s father is a Vietnam War veteran. Hurts’ cousins include WWE wrestler Sasha Banks and former NFL player Keyarris Garrett, while Snoop Dogg’s cousins include singers Brandy and Ray J, and rappers Daz Dillinger, Nate Dogg, RBX, and Mr. Malik.
However, Hurts and Snoop Dogg are related by their love for football, music, and each other. They have formed a bond based on their respect, appreciation, and inspiration for each other’s achievements and personalities. They have also shown their support for each other’s causes and interests, such as Snoop Dogg’s involvement in youth football programs and Hurts’ involvement in charitable initiatives.
Therefore, while Jalen Hurts and Snoop Dogg are not related by blood or by marriage, they are related by friendship and by spirit. They are two of the most influential and successful figures in their respective fields, who have overcome challenges and adversity to reach the top of their game. They are also two of the most humble and generous people in their respective communities, who have given back to society and uplifted others with their actions and words. They are truly an example of what it means to be a role model and a leader.