Nelly has had a great rapport with the sports world for years with his hits ‘Number 1′ and ‘Batter Up’ being played in stadiums constantly. Now, the St. Louis-bred rapper teamed up with ESPN on an original track and video, ‘The Champ,’ solidifying himself as a champion of both sports and music.

“‘The Champ’ brings together two of my favorite things — music and sports,” Nelly said in a press release. “I’ve watched football and ESPN my whole life so to do this song was a real privilege. I hope it gets champions everywhere hyped for their big day!”

The video incorporates footage of the ‘Country Grammar’ hit maker as well as college football footage. Nelly is featured in locker rooms, looking at bulletin boards of his favorite teams, in front of goal posts at empty stadiums and leading a drum line. The inspirational — and athletic-inspired — lyrics emblazon the screen periodically, accented by Nelly’s occasional ad libs and trademark melodic flow. “Today is the day / It’s the day that I have always dreamed of / And forever when you call me / You call me the champ of the world / All my blood, sweat and grime / Was all for this time,” Nelly sings.

Nelly’s new track and accompanying video will be featured in pregame, halftime and postgame reports on ESPN, ABC, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN3.com. In addition, the song will be used in highlight montages, promotions and in go to and returns from those pesky commercial breaks. You can catch the song on television from now until the conclusion of ESPN’s bowl coverage on Monday, Jan. 9 at 8:30PM. The song is also available now for purchase on iTunes and Amazon.

Watch Nelly ‘The Champ’ Video

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