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C.J. Stroud: From gridiron to stardom - The resilient rise of Houston Texans rookie quarterback

From gridiron prodigy to NFL sensation - Unveiling the inspiring journey of Houston’s rookie Quarterback beyond the stats and throws

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 06: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans looks on from the sideline prior to an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 6, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) (Cooper Neill, 2024 Cooper Neill)

A new era has dawned for the Texans, and its name is C.J. Stroud. The rookie quarterback has not merely stepped onto the field; he’s emerged as a shining star, transforming a beleaguered franchise and rekindling hope among fans who had all but given up on their beloved team.

C.J. Stroud’s inaugural season in the NFL reads like a script ripped from the pages of a feel-good sports movie. A second overall pick in the draft, Stroud’s impact on the Houston Texans has been nothing short of miraculous. He’s not only propelled them to the playoffs, but he’s also rewritten the narrative of a team that seemed destined for perennial mediocrity.

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Stroud’s on-field prowess is a spectacle to behold – his passing yards stacking up alongside rookie legends like Luck and Herbert, his touchdown-to-interception ratio painting a picture of precision, and his resilience steering the Texans to heights once deemed unreachable. The skeptics were silenced as Stroud defied expectations, taking a team from the depths of doubt to the brink of postseason glory.

But beyond the statistics and game-winning throws, who is C.J. Stroud when the helmet comes off? In this deep dive, we unravel the layers of the man behind the quarterback, exploring his background, his journey, and the aspirations that drive him beyond the gridiron. So, join us as we embark on a journey to discover the person whose rookie magic has reignited the flames of hope in Houston – C.J. Stroud.

C.J. Stroud’s early gridiron brilliance

The legend of C.J. Stroud began to take shape on the humble grounds of a youth football field. Willie Munford, a youth football coach, vividly recalls the moment he first laid eyes on Stroud’s extraordinary talent when the quarterback was just a 9-year-old prodigy.

In the early stages of his football journey, Stroud possessed an innate ability that set him apart from his peers. His arm could unleash a 50-yard pass, a feat twice as long as what other kids his age could muster. The sheer brilliance of his throws prompted fellow coaches to raise eyebrows and, at times, even lodge complaints.

Munford reminisces about those early days when Stroud’s talent was so exceptional that accusations of cheating were hurled in his direction. “They was saying I was cheating because he was too old,” Munford told Sports Illustrated. “Slinging that ball downfield like he was, the biggest problems I had then was receivers catching it. He was dropping dimes back then. In 30 years, I’ve never had a quarterback like that.”

Navigating adversity

C.J. Stroud’s path wasn’t paved with privilege and prosperity but rather marked by a series of formidable hurdles that defined his early years.

A crucial chapter in his life unfolded in 2015 when his father, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III, faced serious legal ramifications. Pleading guilty to charges including carjacking, kidnapping, and robbery, he was sentenced to 38 years in prison as a repeat offender. This marked the second incarceration for Coleridge, a dramatic turn that sent shockwaves through the Stroud family. Once the breadwinner of the family of six, Coleridge’s incarceration sent the Stroud’s into financial ruin.

With his father behind bars, the responsibility of supporting the family fell on the shoulders of his mother, Kimberly. As a single mother, she navigated financial turmoil, juggling jobs and moving her four children through smaller homes. The family teetered on the edge of eviction until Kimberly found a lifeline—an opportunity to manage a storage facility. This role provided a unique perk: a two-bedroom apartment above a storage unit.

C.J. Stroud’s journey continues

Growing up, luxuries were scarce—new cleats were a rarity, leading to blisters from worn-out shoes; private quarterback coaching was a distant dream, replaced by self-study through YouTube videos.

Amidst these challenges, Stroud’s humility and unassuming nature shone through. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, his mother, Kimberly, recalled instances where he refrained from asking for essentials, even closing one eye during a game due to a worn-out contact lens, fearing to burden his already stretched-thin mother by asking for a new pair.

“I’m like, ‘Why didn’t you tell me!?’” she exclaimed. “He’s like, ‘You have enough on your plate!’”

Kimberly Stroud, marveling at her son’s resilience, emphasized the pivotal choice he made when his father’s absence could have defined him negatively.

“He had a choice when his father went away. He was going to let that motivate him and be the best or he was going to succumb to it and become a statistic of a kid whose parent did something they shouldn’t,” shared Kimberly. In her eyes, C.J. Stroud is not just an exceptional athlete; he is the epitome of resilience—an extraordinary human who transformed challenges into stepping stones on his journey to triumph.

From patience to stardom

Stroud’s ascent to NFL stardom wasn’t a conventional tale of early accolades; instead, it was a narrative shaped by patience and perseverance.

Unlike many highly touted quarterback recruits, Stroud’s high school journey didn’t begin with a splash. He didn’t start as a freshman or a sophomore.

Stroud, however, saw this as part of a larger plan, stating to 24/7 Sports, “God was trying to teach me to sit down, teach me perseverance and to just wait.”

Undeterred, Stroud remained committed to his school, finally getting his chance as a junior and senior. The impact was immediate and immense – yards piled up, touchdowns flowed, and scholarship offers poured in. His senior year, in particular, was a standout performance, earning him the title of Offensive Player of the Year after passing for an impressive 3,878 yards and 47 touchdowns.

His journey took a significant turn when Ohio State coach Ryan Day extended an offer that moved Stroud to tears. Embracing the challenge, he redshirted his true freshman year but exploded onto the scene in 2021. Selected as the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes, Stroud showcased impeccable decision-making, leadership skills, and accuracy, culminating in a slew of accolades, including Big Ten Quarterback of the Year.

Stroud’s impact reverberated through Ohio State’s record books, rewriting history with multiple touchdowns against Big Ten competitors. His prowess continued into the 2022 season, securing a place as one of college football’s best players.

Advocacy beyond the field

Beyond the roar of the stadium, C.J. Stroud has found a cause close to his heart—prison reform. Utilizing his platform, he advocates for change and supports his father with the message “Free Pops” on his social media posts. Stroud’s aspiration reaches beyond personal reunification; he yearns for systemic change in how prisoners are treated.

Stroud’s silver screen aspirations

Beneath the helmet and beyond the NFL accolades, C.J. Stroud harbors a secret ambition—a desire to step onto the silver screen. In a candid revelation to The New York Post, Stroud confesses his profound love for movies and TV shows, describing them as his personal escape.


Calling all football fanatics: KPRC 2 wants YOU to prove why you’re the ultimate Houston Texans fan!

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Don’t be shy; let the world know why you’re the ultimate Texans fan, and who knows, you might just be the next legendary supporter featured in the Texans fandom hall of fame! Get ready to shout it loud and proud – Go Texans! 🏈🤘

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About the Author
Briana Zamora-Nipper headshot

Briana Zamora-Nipper joined the KPRC 2 digital team in 2019. When she’s not hard at work in the KPRC 2 newsroom, you can find Bri drinking away her hard earned wages at JuiceLand, running around Hermann Park, listening to crime podcasts or ransacking the magazine stand at Barnes & Noble.

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