Football isn’t C.J. Stroud’s sole priority. Despite the tough competition on the field, his faith plays a crucial role in keeping him grounded.
It helps him navigate the highs and lows of his busy NFL schedule. Stroud’s belief in God shapes his personality and guides him through life’s challenges. Proud of his faith, he lets it influence both his personal and professional life.
Let’s take a closer look at how his faith impacts his journey, offering insight into the values that drive the Houston Texans quarterback both on and off the field.
What About C.J. Stroud’s Early Life?
C.J. Stroud was born on October 3, 2001, as the youngest of four children in Rancho Cucamonga, California. His father, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III, was sentenced in 2016 to 38 years to life for kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery related to a drug incident under California’s three-strikes law.
Since then, Stroud’s father has been incarcerated at Folsom State Prison near Sacramento, starting when C.J. was in middle school. His father’s imprisonment led the Stroud family into financial hardship, forcing them to live in a small apartment above a storage facility as C.J. began attending Rancho Cucamonga High School.
Despite these challenges, Stroud excelled on the field. As a high school senior, he threw for 3,878 yards and 47 touchdowns, earning the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin’s Offensive Player of the Year award.
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In 2019, he also won MVP honors at the Elite 11, a prestigious quarterback competition. Initially considered a 3-star recruit, Stroud’s impressive performances saw him rise to become the third-highest-rated quarterback of his class. He eventually committed to Ohio State University.
Stroud has maintained a strong friendship with Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young since their high school days in Southern California. They continued this bond through college, and both were top picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. Stroud’s journey from a difficult upbringing to NFL stardom reflects his resilience and determination to succeed against the odds.
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What Is The Religion Of C.J. Stroud?
C.J. Stroud is a Christian, and his faith began early in his childhood. His parents, Kimberly and Coleridge, played a significant role in shaping his beliefs, as they made church a regular part of life for the Stroud kids.
CJ’s father, a former pastor, strengthened his faith in God and sparked his love for football. His father’s guidance helped build a strong moral foundation in him.
At Ohio State, where Stroud played his college years, students come from all walks of life, as it’s a public university with no religious affiliations or requirements, welcoming all backgrounds.
What Role Did C.J. Stroud’s Parents Play On Shaping His Journey?
C.J. Stroud’s parents, Kimberly and Coleridge Stroud, have profoundly influenced his life. C.J. credits his parents for instilling a strong work ethic from a young age.
His father, Coleridge, a former Life Application Christian Center pastor, introduced him to football. However, Coleridge’s life took a dark turn, and in 2016, he was sentenced to 38 years to life for kidnapping, robbery, and carjacking under California’s three-strikes law. This left Kimberly to raise their four children alone.
Kimberly struggled financially after her husband’s imprisonment, moving the family four times to make ends meet. Despite these hardships, she kept C.J. focused on his goals, ensuring he continued to play sports. With the help of supportive coaches and a determined community, C.J. developed into a two-sport star at Rancho Cucamonga High School and later chose Ohio State University for college football. Kimberly’s dedication was vital to CJ’s success, while Coleridge’s mistakes gave him valuable life lessons.
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Does C.J. Stroud Have Siblings?
C.J. Stroud is 22 (as of 2024) and the youngest of four siblings. He has two older brothers, Isaiah and Asmar, and an older sister, Ciara, who is seven years older than him.
Stroud faced many challenges growing up, with his mother, Kimberly, raising him and his siblings alone. The family endured severe financial hardship and nearly became homeless several times. Kimberly took a job managing a storage unit facility with a two-bedroom apartment above the facility, barely keeping them off the streets.
Their struggles were so intense that when Stroud broke a contact lens, he hid it from his mother to avoid adding to her financial burden. His high school teammates at Rancho Cucamonga High School pitched in to buy him a year’s supply of contact lenses.
Stroud’s sister, Ciara, has kept her life private despite gaining attention during the 2023 NFL Draft when she supported C.J. To help his family, Stroud used his college earnings to buy his mother and sister a four-bedroom home in California.
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