CJ Stroud's father credits NFL legend Deacon Jones for life-changing impact

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud's father, Coleridge Stroud III, currently serving a 38-years-to-life sentence, shared how NFL Hall of Famer Deacon Jones played a transformative role in his early life.

In an interview with "Between the Lines" two weeks ago, Stroud III revealed that his future while growing up in Southern California seemed uncertain until Jones noticed him. The late NFL DE, who played 14 seasons in the league, spotted Stroud III playing in his grandmother’s yard as a child.

"You know, there was a man by the name of Deacon Jones, and he used to come by the house to see my grandma," CJ Stroud's father recounted. "And he said, 'Hey, what is that boy doing?' And he said, 'He’s a big kid.' And he said, 'Oh, he’s out there playing in the yard.'

[Jones] saw how fast I was throwing the ball, and he took me down."

After this, Jones encouraged Stroud III to join the Police Athletic League (PAL). As Stroud’s raw talent began to shine, it set the tone for his lifelong love of sports.

Unfortunately, Stroud III's life later took unexpected turns in 2016 when he received a 38-years-to-life sentence under California’s three-strikes law.

Coleridge Stroud III has been a guiding figure in CJ Stroud's life

For C.J. Stroud, his father, Coleridge Stroud III, has been a best friend, a coach and a mentor. Stroud III introduced the Houston Texans quarterback to football during his childhood.

However, things changed when C.J. Stroud was just 13. After his father's imprisonment, he struggled and adjusted to life without Stroud III's daily presence.

That is when football became a source of stability for the Texans QB because his father’s early lessons on discipline and focus started shaping him.

Eventually, he rose to fame. First while playing NCAA football at Ohio State and now with the Houston Texans. He carried the values his father had instilled in him. Last year, in his debut, Stroud became the Offensive Rookie of the Year and helped the Texans clinch a division title and playoff win.

Just as Deacon Jones once changed a young Stroud III's life with opportunity, that ripple effect continues through generations.