Football

QB C.J. Stroud has Houston Texans back in playoffs as he stays 'rooted through Christ'

By Kevin Mercer Jan 7, 2025
Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud, Nov 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Maria Lysaker)

Two years in, two playoff appearances. The C.J. Stroud era in Houston has thus far been met with considerable success.

After winning 10 games and capturing the AFC South for the second straight season since drafting Stroud No. 2 overall in 2023 out of Ohio State, the Texans will be hosting a wild-card playoff game again in 2025, just like they did a year ago. This year’s opponent is the 11-6 Los Angeles Chargers.

>> Subscribe to Sports Spectrum Magazine for more stories where sports and faith connect <<

Stroud’s 2024-25 campaign didn’t quite measure up statistically with his rookie season, in which he was named Offensive Rookie of the Year and earned his first of what may be many trips to the Pro Bowl. Still, he completed 336 passes for 3,727 yards and 20 touchdowns this fall. Along with head coach DeMeco Ryans, Stroud has rejuvenated a franchise that won only 11 games combined the three seasons prior to their arrival.

Perhaps just as much as he’s known for his on-field success, however, Stroud has made a name for himself by boldly praising the name of Jesus at every opportunity. On New Year’s Day, before Houston’s 23-14 road win against the Tennessee Titans to close the regular season, Stroud was asked what his goals were for 2025. His mind turned to something infinitely more important than football.

“Really just locking back in with the Lord,” he said. “In a lukewarm season — one foot in, one foot out — the Lord has helped me to get out of that. That’s really my 2025 goal. It’s just to be locked in with the Lord as much as possible. Fasting and praying, being a part of getting discipled, getting part of a church here in Houston, which I’ve been able to do. That’s my 2025 goal is just getting closer with the Lord.”

Before delving into his 2025 goals, Stroud quoted Proverbs 24:16 when he was asked how he’s matured as both a football player and a person during his time at Ohio State and in the NFL.

“Ultimately the valleys teach you humility. They teach you how to get up,” he said. “The Bible says that ‘the righteous man falls down seven times and he gets up.’ Just like Peter, I want to get up.”

Stroud’s incredible honesty and vulnerability in his answers reveal a follower of Christ seeking to put off the old self and be led by the Spirit of God.

Last August before the season got underway, Stroud was a guest on the Sports Spectrum Podcast; he was also featured in the Fall 2024 edition of Sports Spectrum Magazine. Stroud said at that time that his characteristic boldness in faith doesn’t come from a place of superiority but from a true acknowledgement of his need for Jesus. Stroud recognizes the platform God has given him to proclaim the Gospel. It’s certainly a responsibility, as he knows that every word he speaks publicly will be scrutinized, looking for signs of hypocrisy. But, it’s a gift as well.

“People will assume that since I proclaimed Christ that I’m perfect,” he said on the podcast. “I am far from it, and we all are. We all are striving to be more Christlike. … I’m flawed just like everybody else, but I do believe in the perfect One. And He’s the One who keeps me humble. He’s the One who gave me my talents and He will get the glory for it right back.”

Stroud says he’s a “Follower of Christ” in his X bio and a “Child of Jesus Christ” on Instagram. He thanks God during almost every on-field interview or press conference, and he’s even been known to quote inspiring sermons he’s heard.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by CJ Stroud (@cj7stroud)


“My identity isn’t just quarterback. It isn’t just Houston Texans. It isn’t just football,” Stroud said on the Sports Spectrum Podcast. “First of all, I’m rooted through Christ and who He thinks I am. … Of course, football is very important in my life, but once you realize that, you realize, ‘OK, my identity is through Christ, so how can I serve every day to be more like Him and to help those around me?'”

Stroud and his Texans won last year’s wild-card game at home before falling on the road in the divisional round. This year with added experience, they hope to make an even deeper playoff run. And for Stroud, it’s another opportunity God has given to glorify His name.

Kickoff for Houston’s matchup with L.A. is set for Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

RELATED STORIES:
— SS PODCAST: Texans QB C.J. Stroud on identity, boldness, taming the tongue
— Texans coach DeMeco Ryans, QB C.J. Stroud reach playoffs: ‘Praise goes to God’
— Texans’ C.J. Stroud sets rookie passing yards record, plays ‘for the glory of God’
— QB C.J. Stroud drafted 2nd overall by Houston Texans: ‘I have the armor of God’
— Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins thriving in L.A., ‘walking with Jesus on this journey’

Tags: