Houston Texans rookie quarterback and second overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft C.J. Stroud made his playoff debut on Saturday at home against the Cleveland Browns and he did not disappoint. Stroud absolutely shredded the Browns #1 ranked defense by throwing for 274 yards and three touchdowns in the 45-14 beatdown.
Despite the great performance by Stroud and the Texans, it was actually a message that the Houston quarterback had written on his cleats that had the internet buzzing.
On Stroud’s cleats was a message of “Free Pops” which is a reference to C.J.’s dad who is currently incarcerated for a number of crimes.
Stroud’s father, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III, is currently serving a 38-year sentence after pleading guilty to carjacking, kidnapping, robbery and misdemeanor sexual battery charges. He is currently at Folsom State Prison in California where he will not be eligible for parole until 2040 when he will be 74.
Since entering the league this year, C.J. Stroud has been very vocal about prison reform and often uses the same phrase, “Free Pops” when posting on social media.
Needless to say, football fans had very strong opinions about Stroud’s message and were quick to share their thoughts on social media:
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If the Buffalo Bills defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, then Stroud and the Texans will travel to Baltimore to take on the #1 seeded Ravens in the Divisional round. If the Steelers were to pull off an upset over the Bills, then Houston will travel to Kansas City to battle Patrick Mahomes and the defending Super Bowl Champions Chiefs.
