After a record-setting performance in Houston’s dramatic victory over the Tampa Bay Bucs at NRG Stadium, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud shifted his focus from football to a deeply personal matter: prison reform and his father’s situation.
C.J. Stroud’s father, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III, faced legal troubles in 2015 when he pleaded guilty to charges related to a drug-related incident. These charges included carjacking, kidnapping, robbery, and misdemeanor sexual battery. The situation escalated to the point where Coleridge tried to evade authorities by jumping into San Diego Bay. This marked his second prison sentence, which inflicted financial hardship on his family, who had to cope without him. He is currently serving a 38-year prison sentence.
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Following Sunday’s game, C.J. Stroud opened up about his father’s situation and the emotional challenges he faces. He expressed his desire to remain a devoted family man while fulfilling his responsibilities as a football player.
“I got to talk to my dad a little bit this week,” he said. “And I’m praying to God that something can happen that he can get out and come to one of these games. I’ve been praying for him a lot.”
Stroud’s ultimate wish is for his father to witness his live football games in person one day. He recently had a conversation with his father, and he prays that a positive change might allow his father to attend one of his games. However, given his father’s lengthy prison sentence, this aspiration remains uncertain.
C.J. Stroud showcased his NFL potential with a remarkable performance on Sunday, setting a rookie record with 470 passing yards and contributing five touchdowns, including the game-winning score in the final moments. His fifth touchdown pass, a 15-yard connection with fellow rookie Tank Dell, solidified his breakout moment. Tank Dell famously reached out to Stroud and urged him to persuade the Texans to draft him, a gesture that contributed to their victory.
