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C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game against the Carolina Panthers.
The national discourse around C.J. Stroud has taken a turn following his latest postseason performance, and at a most inopportune time, as the Houston Texans’ quarterback will be extension-eligible this coming offseason.
But Stroud has garnered attention for different reasons in recent days.
The 2023 Pro Bowler and Offensive Rookie of the Year has taken it upon himself to own up to his shortcomings and vowed to come back better, all while maintaining his faith.
C.J. Stroud Putting In Work
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans warms up before facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
A recent Instagram post showed Stroud with a young fan, noting how “nice” it was to meet the QB and describing him the same way.
The poster tagged 3DQB, which describes itself as “elite QB training.”
The 3DQB team features renowned coach and former baseball player Tom House, former NFL QB John Beck, and testimonials from various current and former passers, including Tom Brady and reigning MVP Matthew Stafford.
Stroud is heading into the final year of his rookie contract, and the Texans can still pick up his fifth-year option and franchise tag him up to three times before committing to him long-term.
That would be expensive, though.
The conversations heading into this offseason (which officially begins on March 11) revolve around whether the Texans will extend Stroud. Stroud gave a faith-based response when asked about a potential extension and his future.
“It’s not in my control. I did what I did on the field the last three years, and I thought I started off my career in a very great way. I’m 24, got a lot of ball left ahead of me. And I think I look at my career, and I’m doing a lot of things early in my career that a lot of people haven’t done in a long time. So, I’m grateful for that,” Stroud told reporters on January 19.
“Whatever God has for me, I don’t think whatever open door he has, no man can close. Whatever closed door he has for me, no man could open.”
Stroud made it clear that he wants to remain with the Texans.
C.J. Stroud Gets Emotional During Make-A-Wish Visit
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans walks off the field after defeating the Baltimore Ravens.
Stroud met with 12-year-old John Sperring, who was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), with the child’s story leaving the Texans QB fighting back tears, according to The Inspiration Report’s Cecelia Buchanan.
According to the Mayo Clinic, HLHS means the left side of the heart is underdeveloped, putting additional strain on the right side.
Sperring has had multiple surgeries and could need a transplant.
Sperring cited prayer for navigating his health issues, and he became a Texans fan because of the proximity of his room at Texas Children’s Hospital to NRG Stadium. That drew him to Stroud, who he said is “very humble” and “always puts God first.”
Sperring also told Stroud that he was a “great Christian,” to which the QB fittingly responded that he is “trying,” saying that his father was a pastor who “taught me a lot.”
Stroud gave Sperring a signed jersey, including bible verses, but he also spoke candidly.
“You’re gonna make me cry, bro. You already had me tearing up earlier,” Stroud told Sperring, per Buchanan in July 2025. “12 years old, you love Jesus, I love that, man. Keep that child-like faith. You make me want to play harder.”
Stroud begins his press conferences by giving glory to God, and the Texans’ star has credited his faith with helping him navigate tough times. Despite the report’s date, it still strikes a chord.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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