Franklin Graham Is ‘Glad NBC Is Facing Some Backlash’ for Deleting CJ Stroud’s Praise to Jesus

NBC is under fire for making a controversial edit of its Jan. 13 post-game interview with Houston Texans’ rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. After the outspoken Christian became the youngest modern-era NFL player to notch a playoff victory, he talked live to NBC’s Kathryn Tappen on the sidelines.

Stroud began by saying, “First and foremost, I just want to give all glory and praise to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Then he thanked Houston and all the fans for their love and support, calling himself “super blessed.”

NBC edited out Houston QB CJ Stroud’s praise of Jesus Christ in their post-game interview posted to X.

Why did @SNFonNBC remove Stroud saying “First and foremost, I just want to give all glory and praise to my Lord, Jesus Christ.” https://t.co/gmmmn2HeFT pic.twitter.com/H2R7qzVGGO

— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) January 17, 2024

When NBC later posted part of that interview on social media, the outlet included Tappen’s question but edited out the first part of Stroud’s answer, when he praised God first. On X (formerly Twitter), the Sunday Night Football on NBC account shared a 22-second clip, with a clear cut between the reporter’s question and the athlete’s answer. “CJ Stroud has a lot of love for his city,” the caption read.

NBC Appears To ‘Pick and Choose’ From CJ Stroud’s Response

On Jan. 16, Citizen Free Press shared a side-by-side comparison of the original and edited interviews, writing, “Why did @SNFonNBC remove Stroud saying ‘First and foremost, I just want to give all glory and praise to my Lord, Jesus Christ.’”

A follow-up post stated, “You thought people wouldn’t notice that you edited out Stroud’s statement of faith and gratitude but we have the receipts.” Thirty minutes later, Citizen Free Press posted about the topic again, writing, “It’s disconcerting to realize NBC is actively censoring a player praising Jesus after a massive win. Would NBC have censored his speech if he praised transgenders or Palestinians?”

Many commenters expressed disappointment and anger at edit, accusing NBC of anti-religious censorship. “Woke corporate doing work corporate things,” someone wrote. Other comments claim the network hates Jesus and is Communistic.

In his re-post of the original and edited clips, Chicago Cubs pitcher Jordan Wicks wrote, “Embarrassing from NBC…If you want to have the privilege to interview athletes, you don’t get to pick and choose what our response is. Shoutout CJ for honoring Jesus through it all.”

Not everyone is siding against NBC, however. “It is about him talking about the city. It’s a clip for Houston,” someone commented online. “Fake outrage shocker.”