NFL Players Follow Musical Passion To Create Songs Featured On Madden 24 Video Game

SANTA MONICA, Calif. Terron Armstead, a Miami Dolphins tackle, set aside his musical ambitions when he was chosen into the NFL over a decade ago.

Many other professional football players followed suit. However, three industry titans — the NFL, Interscope Geffen A&M Records, and Electronic Arts Sports — have joined forces to enable players to fulfill their musical ambitions.

The result is an extended play project called “Crowd Control,” which will be released on Tuesday. The six tracks were also featured in Madden NFL 24, published last month. It’s the first time music composed by NFL players has appeared in the 35-year-old video game franchise.

“I only knew the stigma of ‘ shut up and play’ and ‘do your day job,'” Armstead, a four-time Pro Bowler, explained. “I took a break from music in the early years of my career.” It was a void because music was a means for me to express myself. It has been fantastic for us that they have created this possibility. This has pushed and encouraged men to be themselves.”

On “Crowd Control,” Armstead is one of five active players, including New York Giants tight end Darren Waller, San Francisco out Ray-Ray McCloud, free agency linebacker Melvin Ingram, and Carolina Panthers receiver D.J. Chark Jr.

“People can’t put us in a box,” Waller, whose great-grandfather was jazz icon Thomas “Fats” Waller, remarked. The Pro Bowler has already published four hip-hop albums, showcasing his rapper, producer, and writer abilities.

Terron Armstead, a Miami Dolphins tackle, set aside his musical ambitions when he was chosen into the NFL over a decade ago.

“Hopefully, this opens up a lot of lanes for many guys who want to pursue their passion,” he added. “This could be a good opportunity.” It could start a fire that has not yet been sparked.

The rap recordings were produced at Interscope Records’ vast offices in Santa Monica, California, among hip-hop artists such as Rob49, Jay Rock, That Mexican OT, and Lebra Jolie. Derrick Milano, a Grammy winner who has collaborated with superstars such as Justin Bieber, Megan Thee Stallion, and Nicki Minaj, executive produced the project.

“These dudes can rap,” said Bas, a Grammy-nominated rapper who assisted the players during their recording sessions. “It’s very unjust to label somebody. People look at large NFL players and say, ‘Do your one job, tackle somebody or run that route.’ However, being creative is an important element of living a healthy life. I understand these guys have busy schedules with OTAs and camp. They are not on vacation, thus they must put in the effort. They’re working hard to improve their craft. It’s inspiring to witness.”

Many songs on “Crowd Control” were conceived during a songwriting session this summer at Interscope, when NFL players collaborated with producers and musicians.

“It’s a nurturing space,” said David Nieman, Interscope’s senior vice president of sports and gaming, who collaborated with E.A. Sports to curate the Madden NFL 22 soundtrack, the game’s first-ever album release. “When you hear about an athlete wanting to enter the music industry, there isn’t a guard up.” Our artists are not taking to the field. We’re bringing them into our sphere, showing them what we do well, and attempting to provide them with some tools.”

The initiative came to fruition after an NFL Career Tour stop was held at Interscope’s headquarters earlier this year. The day-long workshop included music industry professionals, interactive listening sessions, and roughly 20 players interested in the music business – from marketing to producing to signing talent.

The result is an extended play project called “Crowd Control,” which will be released on Tuesday. The six tracks were also featured in Madden NFL 24.

“It’s really important that these guys have a chance to gain exposure to different industries and explore their gifts and talents that could go beyond the field while they’re playing,” said Ashley Smith, the NFL’s player development manager. She directs league programs and initiatives that provide resources to current and former players while also assisting them in preparing for life after football.

Smith, whose brother Trey Smith is a Kansas City Chiefs linebacker, is familiar with athletes’ post-career struggles.

“When we speak with former players, who we call NFL legends,” she says, “they often talk about the difficulty of the transition.” “Regardless, even if a guy comes prepared for that, it’s still a bit of a loss of identity.” Our role is to assist them. Whether you’re retiring from the league or in your 30s, there’s still time to grow and discover who you are as a football player and a man and businessman.”

Smith expressed optimism about expanding into other industries, such as technology and fashion.

“We want the guys to feel like the league cares,” she explained. “We want to do everything we can to ensure they are educated, prepared, and given the necessary tools.” We want them to form relationships that will help them advance in their careers and their lives.”

McCloud described the program as a “significant step” in the right direction. He stated that the recording sessions gave him more confidence.

“A lot of times, athletes get a certain type of stereotype,” said McCloud, who has run his Legend Tribe production company since he was 17. “We have to stick to a specific narrative. We need a second passion in case football ends one day. We want to pursue our goals. My earliest dream of playing in the NFL has come true. However, doing other things that you enjoy and fill your spirit produces a different type of pleasure.”

SOURCE – (AP)