Houston Texans QB Uses Football to ‘Spread the Gospel’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Rookie sensation CJ Stroud, quarterback for the Houston Texans, uses his successes and failures to share the Gospel.
Despite week two’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Stroud glorified God first.
“First and foremost, I want to give all glory and praise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” he stated in a post-game press conference. “Had a hard week, man, just trying to fight my tail off just to be able to play because my shoulder was hurting me. But at the end of the day, I wanted to be out there for my guys. I wanted to play.”
In week 2, Stroud played through the entire game with a shoulder injury, even earning the most yards for any quarterback that week (384 yards). Despite the injury, he doesn’t want pity from anyone.
“I don’t want anybody to feel bad for me, but the odds have been stacked against me since I’ve been a kid,” Stroud said in the press conference. “And I think God has put a special plan in my life, and I think that He’s not done with me yet…I have a lot more, not even just football, but a lot more life to live to give to people.”
“Later on in the press conference, the 21-year-old explained why he doesn’t need sympathy from anyone and what he believes his mission ultimately is. Stroud developed a strong relationship with Christ after his father, who was a pastor, was arrested in 2015. He did not have a privileged upbringing like some other elite quarterbacks, but he was always confident in God’s plan for him,” Sports Spectrum wrote on Stroud.
“A lot of people don’t get to live the life I do,” he added. “It’s hard, don’t get me wrong. It’s hard, but it’s a privilege, man. I’m blessed enough to wake up every day—to walk, to talk, to smell, to interact with people, to play football. These are all things we take for granted from a day-to-day basis, but I try to do my best to thank God through all that because [of] His grace and His mercy.”
“He laid His life on the cross for us,” Stroud declared. “I really believe that. This is bigger than just ball, and if I have to use football for my purpose—to spread the Gospel and the life of Jesus Christ—then I’ll do that. And I think that’s what God wants.”
After the game yesterday, @CJ7STROUD openly talked about his purpose to use football to spread the gospel and the life of Jesus Christ! pic.twitter.com/rUzfUEgknQ
— The Athletes' Corner (@AthletesCorner_) September 18, 2023
Movieguide® previously reported on Stroud:
Stroud spoke to CBS Sports last month and stated, “One thing that I start with is just my foundation as a man where I’m a man of God. I want that to be known. I’m responsible, and I’m respectable, and I’m very mature for my age I feel. I had to kind of grow up fast growing up, so it kind of forced me to kind of be ready for these moments.”
Stroud has never been shy when it’s come to sharing his faith. In an interview with Rob Maddi of “Faith on the Field,” Stroud stated that his faith grew stronger after his father, who was a pastor, was incarcerated in 2015.
“When I got to college, I found Christ for myself,” said Stroud. “It’s definitely something that I’m still learning to this day. I’m definitely not perfect. … It does keep me grounded; it does keep me humble just because I know anything can be stripped away at any point.”
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
