After a standout rookie season, NFL quarterback C.J. Stroud is gearing up for his second year with the Houston Texans. The 2023 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year recently appeared on the Sports Spectrum podcast to discuss his Christian faith and his determination to keep growing in Christ.
Speaking to Jason Romano, Stroud revealed when his faith became his own, how he handles challenges, and why he’s working on taming his tongue.
The 22-year-old QB, who played at Ohio State, is known for praising God during post-game interviews. Stroud has also shared how God gives him peace amid challenges, including the incarceration of his father, a former pastor.
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C.J. Stroud Is ‘Far From Perfect’ but Believes in ‘The Perfect One’
On the Aug. 2 episode of the Sports Spectrum podcast, C.J. Stroud said although he grew up in the church, his personal relationship with Jesus really began during college. Teammates at Ohio State invited him to church, where fell on his knees and felt “a bunch of conviction.”
That made Stroud realize he needed to “get back on track,” he said. “And that was when I started to really try to find Christ for who he was in my life—and not like what my parents are necessarily telling me.”
At Hope City House of Prayer in Columbus, Ohio, Stroud met faith leaders who helped him deepen his relationship with Jesus. They also helped Stroud establish a routine of regularly giving God glory and praise.
When asked about challenges he’s faced, Stroud said God gives him those as “opportunities to grow from.” The QB acknowledged he “wouldn’t be here without Jesus,” saying God can “change my story and use it to change others.”
Despite all the athletic success, Stroud said his identity isn’t as a quarterback or as a Houston Texan. “I’m first of all rooted in Christ and who he thinks I am,” he said. “My identity is in Christ, so [I ask] how can I serve him every day?”
‘I’m Trying To Get This…Right,’ Admits C.J. Stroud
As a high-profile athlete, Stroud realizes he’s in the spotlight. “I do have influence now,” he said, “and I want people to know…I’m trying to get this Christ thing right.” He also wants to communicate that Christians aren’t perfect but can strive to improve.
Because he struggles with cursing, Stroud is currently working on his language. “I can’t proclaim that I love God and have a wild mouth—that doesn’t make sense to me,” the QB said. He wasn’t raised to curse, and the habit might be tied to the emotions of competition, he said, but “I know it needs to stop.”
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