C.J. Stroud Bio
Coleridge Bernard “C. J.” Stroud IV, born on October 3, 2001, is an American professional football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he holds several school records, including most passing yards in a single game with 573, and is the first player to throw for six touchdowns three times. Stroud was a Heisman Trophy finalist in both 2021 and 2022, and was subsequently selected by the Houston Texans as the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. In his rookie season, he led the Texans to a division title and playoff victory, earning the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.
Early Life and Background
C. J. Stroud was born in Rancho Cucamonga, California, as the youngest of four children. His early exposure to football began when he joined Snoop Dogg’s Snoop Youth Football League at the age of 12, where he played as a quarterback for two years. Stroud faced significant challenges during his childhood, particularly after his father, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III, was sentenced to 38 years to life in prison for serious crimes. This event placed a financial burden on the family, leading them to live in a small apartment above a storage facility while Stroud attended Rancho Cucamonga High School. Despite these hardships, he excelled in football, earning recognition as the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin offensive player of the year during his senior year, where he passed for 3,878 yards and 47 touchdowns. He was also named MVP of the Elite 11 and selected to play in the 2020 All-American Bowl. Initially considered a three-star recruit, Stroud finished high school as the third-highest rated quarterback of his class and committed to Ohio State University to play college football.
Path to American Football
Stroud’s college career began at Ohio State, where he redshirted his freshman year in 2020, serving as a backup to Justin Fields. He played only eight snaps that season but scored a rushing touchdown against Michigan State. The following year, Stroud was named the starting quarterback and quickly made a name for himself. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and was named Big Ten Quarterback of the Year, leading the Buckeyes to a 10-2 record. Stroud set multiple records during the season, including throwing for 573 yards and six touchdowns in the Rose Bowl, which earned him a fourth-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting. In 2022, he continued to build on his success, leading the NCAA with a passer rating of 177.7 and again being a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. After a standout college career, Stroud declared for the NFL draft, forgoing his remaining eligibility.
C.J. Stroud Career
Early Career (2020-2022)
Stroud’s early career at Ohio State was marked by significant achievements. In the 2021 season, he started every game and became the only quarterback in school history to throw five touchdowns against a Big Ten opponent four times in a single season. He led Ohio State to a Rose Bowl victory and broke multiple records, establishing himself as a top prospect for the NFL. During the 2022 season, he solidified his status as one of the best quarterbacks in college football, leading the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff and finishing third in the Heisman Trophy voting.
Breakthrough (2023-Present)
C. J. Stroud was selected by the Houston Texans with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, making him the highest-drafted quarterback in Ohio State’s history. He made his NFL debut on September 10, 2023, against the Baltimore Ravens, throwing for 242 yards. Stroud quickly made an impact, throwing his first two NFL touchdowns in week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts, and achieving significant milestones in his first few games. He was named the Offensive Rookie of the Month for September, finishing the month with 906 passing yards and four touchdowns without an interception. Stroud set a new NFL record for the most pass attempts without an interception to start a career, breaking Dak Prescott’s previous record. He continued to impress throughout the season, leading the Texans to a playoff berth and becoming the youngest quarterback to win a playoff game in league history.
Notable Works and Milestones
C. J. Stroud’s signature achievements include being named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, earning a spot in the Pro Bowl, and being selected to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. His record-setting performances and leadership on the field have established him as a rising star in the NFL.
C.J. Stroud Award Nominations
Throughout his career, C. J. Stroud has received several nominations, including being a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in both 2021 and 2022, and earning recognition as a Pro Bowl selection in 2023.
C.J. Stroud Awards Won
C. J. Stroud has won numerous awards, including the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, and has been recognized as a member of the PFWA All-Rookie Team. He has also received accolades for his performances in college, including multiple Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year awards.
C.J. Stroud Family
C. J. Stroud is the son of Coleridge and Kimberly Stroud and has two older brothers and one older sister. His family background has played a significant role in shaping his character and resilience as an athlete.
Personal Life
Stroud has openly discussed his Christian faith, often expressing gratitude to God during interviews. He maintains a close friendship with fellow NFL quarterback Bryce Young, with whom he has shared experiences since their high school days in Southern California.
