By Trendsetter Tribune 
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has risen to NFL stardom despite his father’s long prison sentence, crediting his mother’s guidance and faith for his success both on and off the field.
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has emerged as one of the NFL’s brightest young stars, but his journey to the professional spotlight has been marked by a deeply personal family story. Stroud’s father, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III, is serving a 38-year prison sentence for multiple serious crimes, a reality that has shaped Stroud’s life since he was just 13 years old.
Now, as Stroud prepares to lead the Texans against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round, his story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the role of family support in overcoming adversity.
A Childhood Shaped by Loss
Coleridge Stroud III, a former pastor, was convicted in 2015 of charges including carjacking, kidnapping, robbery, and misdemeanor sexual battery after a drug-related incident in San Diego. According to court records, he forced a woman to drive him to obtain drugs, fled from police, and attempted to evade capture by jumping into San Diego Bay. He will not be eligible for parole until 2040.
Following his father’s arrest, Stroud was primarily raised by his mother, Kimberly Stroud, who worked tirelessly to provide stability for C.J. and his three siblings. “My mom, she had to play both roles for me for a while; mother and father,” Stroud told the NFL Network in April 2023. “I’m super blessed to have a mother like I do.”
Lessons Learned and Personal Growth
Despite the trauma, Stroud has spoken candidly about the lessons he gleaned from his father’s early influence and the challenges of navigating life without him.
“People slip up … people make mistakes. As I’m getting older, I’m realizing how tough it is to be a man — not only a man, but a Black man in our communities,” he told The Columbus Dispatch in September 2022. “I think I thrive now at this age, just understanding that doing the right thing is the right way and letting God lead your life is the best way. That’s what I learned from my father.”
These reflections highlight how Stroud balances personal faith, family guidance, and professional ambition to overcome adversity.
Rising Star in the NFL
Stroud’s perseverance has translated into exceptional professional success. After a standout college career at Ohio State, he was selected second overall in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Texans.
Since entering the league, Stroud has set multiple rookie records and has led the Texans’ offense to another Wild Card appearance, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure despite a challenging personal history.
Giving Back — The C.J. Stroud Foundation
The Stroud family has turned personal hardship into advocacy and community support. Together, C.J. and his mother co-founded the C.J. Stroud Foundation, which focuses on assisting single parents, children of incarcerated individuals, and supporting broader criminal justice reform efforts.
Through the foundation, Stroud aims to help others navigate the obstacles he faced, emphasizing the importance of family, faith, and resilience.
Conclusion — More Than an Athlete
C.J. Stroud’s story is about more than touchdowns and passing yards. It’s a story of overcoming family adversity, learning from hardship, and using personal experience to inspire and uplift others. As he takes the field against the Steelers, fans and observers see not only an NFL quarterback at the top of his game but a young man shaped by struggle, guided by faith, and committed to making a difference.