Pusha T, one of Virginia’s proudest exports (and recent Dr. Dre cosign), might not seem like the biggest sports fan at first glance. Given his rep as one of the edgiest MCs in the game and burgeoning fashion magnate, there’s not a lot of time left over for an intimate relationship with Sunday Ticket.
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But the rapper was just as excited as anyone for the upcoming NFL season. Why? Because it’s another chance to rep his hometown of Virginia Beach — the Hampton Roads area has historically been home to huge numbers of pro ballers. A recent charity event hosted by the Seahawks’ Kam Chancellor in Norfolk, Va. served as something of a family reunion for the DMV-raised athletes, with everyone from the 49ers’ Torrey Smith to the Steelers’ Michael Vick heading home to show their support — of course, Pusha was in attendance.
Billboard caught up with the MC to talk about what he was excited for — check out who he’s be rooting for below.
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Who’s your team?
In all honesty, we have so many players from Virginia, that I really — I bounce. Like all the players are from Virginia, and I really came up with a lot of these guys. Either I looked up to them [because] they were a little older, or they’re younger, like I was giving them boxes of Play Cloths [his clothing line] when they were doing their thing — whatever. I stand out for the young ones just like I do for the old ones, just seeing them make it.
I actually went to my first football game this year. The Patriots versus the Ravens, due to Tyrod [Taylor]. Now he’s at the Bills. I was supposed to catch a Seahawks game, with Kam [Chancellor], and I didn’t get a chance to. But I’m going to this year, I already promised him that. It’s going down. And I’m going for the Seahawks — I feel like they have a great chance, and I like those guys.
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I just wish them all the best — somebody from town always makes it close to the finals, or the finals, or the Super Bowl or whatever, and I’m rooting the whole way. It only gets ugly when they have to play each other — then it’s like, “Ahh!”
I mean, and it looks like Tyrod might be starting for the Bills [since this interview was conducted, Tyrod Taylor has been confirmed as the Bills first-string quarterback].
Listen — my fingers been crossed. I’ve been reading, I’ve been listening — I haven’t even called him to say anything. I didn’t want to say nothing — I just want it to happen. I heard he is showing improvement up there. I was like, “I’m not even going to text him. I’m just going to let this happen. I’m not going to put any extra sauce on it — I’m gonna leave this all the way alone.”
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Don’t want to jinx it!
Yeah — I hope so. I really hope so, man. He deserves everything.