PHX Reporter

Doubt initially surfaced for Jesse Luketa when Mack Wilson Sr. and Zach Pascal approached him with an idea unrelated to football—music. Known in the music world as "Lu'," Luketa has released several songs this year and plans to continue his musical pursuits after his football career. His Cardinals teammates joined him in forming a rap group.

"When they first told me, I didn't really know what to expect," Luketa said. "But we got into the studio and started to build a foundation and some chemistry."

This collaboration led to the creation of the rap group "3rd&Go." The trio, consisting of Lu', ZP, and Rocketship (Wilson's nickname inspired by the Cardinals logo), released an album titled "Its Us" and have over 40 unreleased tracks ready. Their music mainly features a typical rap style, with some tracks focusing on the 2024 Arizona Cardinals.

"When I first got here, I was one of those guys who wanted to know how the team camaraderie was and what can I do to bring the team together more," Wilson said. "Whether that's going to the studio and making songs about the team and playing it in the locker room, it's cool just to see the reaction sometimes."

During a road trip, they played their music for teammates, receiving positive feedback. Players like Jalen Thompson are mentioned in their song "3 in a Row."

"It's dope man," Thompson said. "Guys outside of the facility making cool stuff like that, making rap songs about the team, we love that. It's a testament to the brotherhood on the team."

The linebackers praise offensive players such as Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr., while Pascal ensures all aspects of their play are acknowledged.

"These are the guys I go to war with," Pascal said. "And we're talking about the season too, so it's been a fun little outlet for us, and it got us really close."

While football remains their primary focus, creating music has become both a hobby and passion for them.

Wilson credits his brother Orlando Fikes for inspiring his musical rhythm: "When I tried it out, it just really put me in a different state of mind... Whenever we have road trips... Whenever I have free time... If I'm studying plays I'm listen to beats."

Luketa's solo track "Suga'' was played during practice on Wednesday, highlighting how music connects with their sport.

"You got guys that are playing different positions... Music does the same thing," Luketa stated. He emphasized how both activities unite people from diverse backgrounds.

Photos courtesy Jesse Luketa