According to a Harris Poll taken in January 2014, some 35% of sports fans list professional football as their favorite sport, and Forbes.com estimates the NFL will rake in over $9 billion in revenue. And Hip Hop is quickly becoming America’s favorite music, whether people are willing to admit it or not. Many rappers represent their city much in the same way a football team gives the city something to brag about. Or be embarrassed about. There are few joys in life better than feeling the reverberating bass in a stadium right before your favorite linebacker lights up the rival running back. The right song can create the right mindset for a team to be focused and pumped for the job on the field. Who didn’t think it was awesome when the T. C. Williams High School football team came out singing “We are Titans! Mighty, mighty Titans!” on Remember the Titans? And then dominated every team they faced. We chose a great pump up song for each NFL team to walk out to this season. On the list, there are some new summer anthems, some classic Hip Hop tracks and some hidden mixtape gems.
Baltimore Ravens
Theme Song: King Los – “Everybody Ain’t Kings”
2013 Record: 8 – 8
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The Ravens had an average season, going 8-8 after winning the 2013 Super Bowl. This song by Baltimore rapper King Los is a nice hype track with a shout out to the city. And having hoisted the vaunted Vince Lombardi trophy in both 2010 and 2013, Baltimore’s NFL representatives can lay claim to being the league’s kings twice, while other franchises have never been champs. The Ravens have had to restock their legendary defense after losing Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. The offense has remained in tact with Joe Flacco at the helm. Ray Rice had to rebuild his image after a conflict with his wife, but we will have to see if his performance on the field is affected especially with a two-game suspension.
Buffalo Bills
Theme Song: Beastie Boys – “Sabotage”
2013 Record: 6 – 10
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At this point, the Bills need this joint from the New York Hip Hop legends to “Sabotage” the game to get to the top. They should not break any rules, but they need to think outside the box. Their 6-10 finish last season left them at the bottom of the AFC East for the sixth year in a row. Sammy Watkins was the fourth overall pick, but suffered a rib injury in a preseason game against the Steelers. Quarterback E.J. Manuel needs to step up and lead the offense and defensive end Mario Williams needs to boost the defense. Undrafted free agent and hometown boy Jimmy Gaines played with a lot of heart on a shaky Miami Hurricanes team and would bring some much-needed energy to the defense.
Cincinnati Bengals
Theme Song: Tyga – “Switch Lanes”
2013 Record: 11 – 5
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The Cincinnati Bengals can use this banger from Tyga to hopefully take their winning momentum to the next level. After going 11-5, the tiger team lost to the Chargers in the Wild Card round for the third consecutive year. But the offense is young, led by quarterback Andy Dalton and Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Green. Linebacker Vontaze Burfict led the league with 171 tackles last season and will return with the same hunger to dominate.
Cleveland Browns
Theme Song: Drake – “Up All Night”
2013 Record: 4 – 12
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The Cleveland Browns hope to revive their program with a solid draft class that includes the legend Johnny Manziel. It is a well-known fact that the Texas A&M quarterback and Drake are buddies. Manziel even has an OVO tattoo on his wrist. Brian Hoyer has been named the starter, so now Manziel will be “Up All Night” watching film and studying the playbook. Or not. But this song will put some sort of spark in the team that finished last in the AFC North for the third year in a row. Josh Gordon, the NFL’s leading receiver last year, is suspended for the entire 2014 season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Sometimes, you just gotta say “no” to the Mary Jane. And escorts.
Denver Broncos
Theme Song: Tupac – “Hail Mary”
2013 Record: 13 – 3
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The Denver Broncos will seek to have another great season. After finishing a league-best 13-3, they cruised through the playoffs, but were embarrassed by the Seahawks in the Super Bowl in a 43 – 8 thrashing. The Broncos don’t really need to change anything, except finish the job on the big stage. This classic song from Tupac will boost the Mile High City to the top. Peyton Manning can walk out in confidence that he has a few more Hail Marys left in him. Demaryius Thomas will be a favorite target, especially with the departure of Eric Decker.
Houston Texans
Theme Song: Bun B – “You’re Everything”
2013 Record: 2 – 14
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After a rocky 2-14 season, the Houston Texans need this Southern anthem from Bun B to surge into 2014. There is little explanation for their poor performance last season, but big-play receiver Andre Johnson is back in action despite holding out of minicamp because of frustrations with the team direction. Running back Arian Foster is also back after cutting last season short with a back injury. The defense will be led by J.J. Watt and rookie Jadeveon Clowney who will seek to prove why he was the first overall pick.
Indianapolis Colts
Theme Song: Consequence – “Who Knew My Luck Would Change”
2013 Record: 11 – 5
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This smooth joint from Consequence will be a nice tribute to Andrew Luck. The young gun has gracefully taken the Indianapolis Colts on his back and carried them to the playoffs in both of his years as starting quarterback. Don’t forget that on the other side of the ball, Robert Mathis led the league with 19.5 sacks last season. Look for the Colts to build on their 11-5 record and continue striving towards greatness.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Theme Song: Rae Sremmurd – “No Flex Zone”
2013 Record: 4 – 12
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Oh, the Jaguars. Last season, they finished 4-12. Jacksonville hasn’t had a winning season since finishing 11-5 in 2007. Since losing Maurice Jones-Drew, the offense hasn’t found a go-to guy. If new helmets didn’t do the job, maybe this summer hit by newcomers Rae Sremmurd will. Look for rookies Blake Bortles and Marqise Lee to revive this tired team, otherwise there might not be much winning (or flexing) in Jacksonville.
Kansas City Chiefs
Theme Song: Tech N9ne – “Worldwide Choppers”
2013 Record: 11 – 5
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The Chiefs can use this track from Tech N9ne who runs his Strange Music label in the city he calls home. After going 11-5, the Chiefs were shocked in the Wild Card round with a comeback from the Colts. Alex Smith has found security leading this offense, and Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry holds down the defense.
Miami Dolphins
Theme Song: DJ Khaled – “I’m On One”
2013 Record: 8 – 8
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After gaining a reputation for mediocrity, the 8-8 Miami Dolphins could use this cut by DJ Khaled to inspire them towards greatness. They haven’t finished over .500 since winning the AFC East in 2008 with an 11-5 record. With the addition of running back Knowshon Moreno, the Dolphins have a nicely stocked backfield to help Ryan Tannehill find his swagger.
New England Patriots
Theme Song: E-40 – “They Might Be Taping”
2013 Record: 12 – 4
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The Patriots have finished at the top of the AFC East every year since 2009. But after winning the franchise’s third Super Bowl in 2004, the Pats were caught taping division rivals, the New York Jets’ hand signals during a September 9, 2007 game from a sideline location. Despite losing a first round draft pick and being fined $250,000 due to violating N.F.L. rules with their video activity, the Patriots have gone on to appear in two more Super Bowls and put together one of the league’s few undefeated regular season with a 16-0 record in 2007. Needless to say, the stigma of 2007 still remains, and this track from E-40 pretty much sums it up.
New York Jets
Theme Song: A$AP Rocky – “Jodye”
2013 Record: 8 – 8
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The Jets usher in a new era with the departure of Mark Sanchez. The quarterback competition is now between veteran Michael Vick and newcomer (and Roc Nation Sports athlete) Geno Smith. Rookie Tajh Boyd also has his chance to shine. No matter who will be throwing, former Broncos star Eric Decker will be there to catch the passes. And Chris Johnson will be a secure presence in the backfield. This track from New York emcee A$AP Rocky will make sure the Jets are ready for war each time they step on the turf.
Oakland Raiders
Theme Song: Ice Cube – “Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It”
2013 Record: 4 – 12
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The Oakland Raiders finished 4-12 for the second year in a row and haven’t posted a winning record in over a decade. They need to get their swag back. Who better than Ice Cube to help them find it? The director of the ESPN 30 for 30 Straight Outta L.A. followed the Raiders through their glory days and helped them become a nationwide sensation with N.W.A’s affinity for L.A. Raiders gear in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Look for Justin Tuck to stabilize the defense along with rookie and University of Buffalo sensation Khalil Mack. Derek Carr and Matt Schaub will be in competition for the starting quarterback position.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Theme Song: Wiz Khalifa “Black And Yellow”
2013 Record: 8 – 8
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Yes, this song is from 2010, but it came out right after the Steelers won their second Super Bowl in four years. Head coach Mike Tomlin still has all the confidence in the world in quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Wide receiver Antonio Brown finished second in the league last season with 1,499 yards. Troy Polamalu still strikes fear into every wideout that faces him. Yes, “Black and Yellow” is the obvious choice for Pittsburgh to rally behind this team.
San Diego Chargers
Theme Song: J Dilla “Lightworks”
2013 Record: 9 – 7
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This song by legendary producer J Dilla should get the Chargers hyped. Phillip Rivers and Antonio Gates will continue to power head coach Mike McCoy’s top five ranked offense. The days of Shawne Merriman’s “Lights Out” antics are long gone, but San Diego squeaked into the playoffs with a 9-7 record last year. Dwight Freeney, Eric Weddle and Manti Te’o will look to keep the defense on pace with the offensive fireworks in the moribund AFC West.
Tennessee Titans
Theme Song: Joe Budden – “Remember The Titans”
2013 Record: 7 – 9
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With a forgettable 7-9 season last year, the Titans can use this song from Joe Budden to boost them out of mediocrity. The all-star features on the track, Fabolous, Lloyd Banks and Royce Da 5’9 are all more notable than anybody on the Titans roster, but they can use this motivation to make names for themselves. They lost their quarterback and running back, but added Ravens tackle Michael Oher. Safety Bernard Pollard led the defense last year with 99 tackles.
Arizona Cardinals
Theme Song: Lecrae – “My Whole Life Changed”
2013 Record: 10 – 6
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The Cardinals are back on the track to greatness. Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu are becoming superstars in their own right, and unlike many young players who easily get caught in the fast life, seem to have found stability. This track from Lecrae might ring especially true for Mathieu who has been open about his life transformation. Larry Fitzgerald will continue to provide his veteran leadership and carry the Cardinals much further than their decent 10-6 season last year.
Atlanta Falcons
Theme Song: T.I. – “About the Money”
2013 Record: 4 – 12
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The Atlanta Falcons fell off last year, going 4-12, after reaching the NFC Championship the season before. This track by the King of the South is sure to pump up Matt Ryan and Julio Jones. Without Tony Gonzalez, the team will need to dig deep to secure some victories.
Carolina Panthers
Theme Song: Rapsody “Top Five”
2013 Record: 12 – 4
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This track from Rapsody with a feature from fellow North Carolina emcee King Mez will inspire the Panthers to keep grinding after a 12-4 season. They clinched the NFC South and were in the “Top Five” of the conference. Quarterback Cam Newton has come into his own and found his swagger at the helm of the offense. Linebacker Luke Kuechly has been a defensive force since his first day in the league registering over 150 tackles in each of his two seasons.
Chicago Bears
Theme Song: Kidz In The Hall – “Go Ill”
2013 Record: 8 – 8
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This track from Chicago Rap group Kidz In The Hall will give the Bears reason to rep their city, even hustle in the snow. After an 8-8 season, the addition of defensive end Jared Allen should bring some energy to the team. Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall will try to keep head coach Mark Trestman’s offense productive, while defensive coordinator Mel Tucker looks to improve a squad that was ranked 31st defensively.
Dallas Cowboys
Theme Song: Freeway “Big Spender”
2013 Record: 8 – 8
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The Cowboys are officially the first American sports team to reach the $3 billion dollar mark in team value. Jerry Jones must be a happy man. Between the money and star players like Dez Bryant, the Cowboys always seem to stay in the headlines despite last year’s not-so-incredible 8-8 record.
Detroit Lions
Theme Song: Jon Connor – “Epic”
2013 Record: 7 – 9
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The Detroit Lions can get pumped to this track from upcoming Aftermath artist Jon Connor who hails from Flint, Michigan. After going 7-9, the Lions drafted North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron. He chose the nickname Optimus Prime to complement Megatron himself Calvin Johnson. Ndamukong Suh still strikes fear into opposing offenses. The Lions had a shaky 7-9 season last year, but are putting the pieces together to give the Motor City some hope.
Green Bay Packers
Theme Song: Project Pat – “Cheese & Dope”
2013 Record: 8 – 7
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Cheese heads rejoice! The Green Bay Packers will be back in action next season despite finishing an uneventful 8-7-1 last year. The fearsome defense led by Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers will welcome rookie and former Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Nothing to joke around with.
Minnesota Vikings
Theme Song: Nas – “Purple”
2013 Record: 5 – 10
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The Minnesota Vikings had a down year, going 5-10-1 last season, and are looking to new head coach Mike Zimmer to get the program back on track. In 2012, the team made the playoffs for the first time since winning the NFC North 2009. The always-dominant Adrian Peterson finished fifth in the league with 1,266 rushing yards and says he has a new appreciation for life after grieving the death of his son. The quarterback situation is a bit of a question mark, but first-round pick Teddy Bridgewater was a proven winner in college. Matt Cassell and Christian Ponder will be in tough competition with the rookie. This smooth track from Nas will be sure to pump some purple spirit into the usually red and gold TCF Bank Stadium, home of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. This will be the Vikings home until their new stadium is finished.
New Orleans Saints
Theme Song: Young Buck – “Buss Yo Head”
2013 Record: 11 – 5
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Much like the New England Patriots, The Saints are a championship team that saw their hopes and reputation rocked by disciplinary issues from the NFL. The 2012 “Bounty Scandal” headed by former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams paid bonuses defensive players for hard hits and deliberately injuring opposing players. Having been two years removed from the incident, the Saints no longer have Williams or some of the players directly involved, but they hope to bust a few heads with a revamped secondary lead by recently acquired safety Jairus Byrd.
New York Giants
Theme Song: Notorious B.I.G. – “Spit Your Game”
2013 Record: 7 – 9
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Let the original King of New York pump up the big boys of the block. The Jets haven’t made the playoffs since 2010 and the Bills, well, are the Bills. Meanwhile, the Giants won the Super Bowl in 2012. They went 7-9 last season, but Eli Manning is still a proven winner, Victor Cruz still has a pep in his step and Antrel Rolle still has some wins left to get now that he has spent a decade dominating opposing wideouts.
Philadelphia Eagles
Theme Song: Gillie Da Kid – “Bottom Line”
2013 Record: 10 – 6
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This track off the Philadelphia rapper Gillie Da Kid’s newest project is sure to hype the Eagles who led the league in rushing last year. The team had 2,566 yards on the ground, 1,000 of which came from LeSean McCoy. After a 10-6 season, they lost in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, but they can use this booming bass to keep the victories coming. Bottom line, I’m winning.
San Francisco 49ers
Theme Song: IamSu! “Mobbin”
2013 Record: 12 – 4
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Last season, the 49ers were rumbling towards their second straight Super Bowl appearance, but a tip from Richard Sherman abruptly ended that. Since Colin Kaepernick took over at quarterback midway through the 2012 season, San Francisco has been steadily collecting Ws. But he doesn’t do it alone. Running back Frank Gore, tight end Vernon Davis and wide receiver Michael Crabtree have helped power the offense. Look for the linebackers to continue their dominance. NaVorro Bowman led the team with 120 tackles and Patrick Willis is always a threat. This jam by up-and-comer IamSu! will inspire the 49ers to hold it down for the Bay Area.
Seattle Seahawks
Theme Song: Kendrick Lamar “Backseat Freestyle”
2013 Record: 13 – 3
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The Seattle Seahawks are the defending Super Bowl Champions. In much the same way, Kendrick Lamar is trying to defend his Hip Hop crown while working on an album to follow his critically acclaimed good kid, m.A.A.d. city. Richard Sherman will fire up the Legion of Boom and try to avoid the Madden cover curse while Russell Wilson orchestrates the offense to another season of glory. This song is sure to get 12th Man hyped, too.
St. Louis Rams
Theme Song: De La Soul – “Stakes Is High”
2013 Record: 7 – 9
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The Rams haven’t made the playoffs in a decade. The “Stakes Is High” for them to get into the postseason. Yes, Sam Bradford has brought them a long way from their 1-15 season in 2009. But a 7-9 record last year isn’t exactly impressive, and now the quarterback is out for this season with a torn ACL–the same injury that sidelined him last year. Now, the Rams will have to look to their new additions to hype the team. Running back Tre Mason was a stud at Auburn and his dad is Maseo from De La Soul. Who better to inspire the young gun than his father?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Theme Song: KB – “Undefeated”
2013 Record: 4 -12
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After finishing in the bottom of the NFC South for the third year in a row, the Buccaneers could use this banger from Tampa Bay emcee KB to get hyped. After a stellar 1,000+ yard rookie season, running back Doug Martin only played six games last year before suffering a shoulder injury. Now cleared to play, look for him to carry this team on his back especially as the quarterback situation is a big question mark. Will the Bucs finished “Undefeated?” Probably not, but this song will potentially help them get back their winning mentality.
Washington Redskins
Theme Song: Wale and J. Cole – “Winter Schemes”
2013 Record: 3 – 13
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After a dismal 3-13 season, the Redskins can use this track from DMV rapper Wale to help them with their winter schemes. Wale’s friend and former Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson will bring some swagger to the team. Many of his teammates, including Robert Griffin III and DeAngelo Hall expressed their excitement at his arrival. Jackson’s productivity was never down, but imagine how good he can be knowing he’s wanted. Now he can be confident in his football and leave the rapping to Wale.
Victoria Hernandez is a journalism student at the University of Miami. She started listening to Hip Hop in high school and has been obsessed ever since. Her music news career began at the South Florida Arts Review. She has also written sports for CaneInsider.com and The Miami Hurricane amongst others. Follow her on Twitter @vrhernandez116.
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