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Cordell Broadus, Snoop Dogg's Son, Comments on Football Career
October 21, 2015
Former UCLA recruit Cordell Broadus provided some insight into his decision to end his football career in a message posted on social media Tuesday that wished his father, rapper Snoop Dogg, a happy birthday.
Broadus, a 4-star prospect coming out of high school based on 247Sports' composite rankings, didn't show up for the program's fall camp. Head coach Jim Mora later explained the wide receiver had decided to pursue "other passions," including film.
The announcement came as a surprise given his potential as a football player and his dad's love for the sport, though he'd long been a fan of the Bruins' rivals at USC. A message posted by Broadus on Instagram shed some light on the situation:
I played football for my father because I thought that was the only way he would love me [and] be apart of my life. It took me 12 years to realize he loves Cordell Broadus the person not Cordell Broadus the football player. The best day of my life was when I heard those exact words; I love you dad hope you have a great birthday.
Snoop Dogg's love of football was illustrated in the duo's documentary miniseries on ESPN, which was called Snoop & Son. It's not an uncommon theme for young athletes to keep playing a sport with hope of continuing to please their parents.
That said, it sounds like Broadus didn't share the same lasting love for the sport despite being so highly ranked as he arrived at UCLA. His heart was elsewhere, and that led him to walk away rather than make the commitment it takes to succeed at the collegiate level.
It's good to see he was able to reach an understanding with his father about the issue and that it didn't fracture the relationship. And if he ever gets the itch to play football again, his raw talent should ensure there will be a roster spot for him somewhere.
Dan Lyons of College Spun notes Broadus remains at UCLA as he works toward interests beyond the football field. 247Sports' commitment list shows the Bruins have landed three wide receivers for the 2016 class as they look to restock the receiving group without him.
