Coleridge Bernard "C. J." Stroud IV, a quarterback for the Houston Texans, was born on October 3, 2001. He was drafted by the Texans as the second pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year in his rookie season after leading the Texans to a division round, though they lost to the Baltimore Ravens 10-34. Then, at 22 years old, Stroud became the youngest starting quarterback to win a playoff game.
In 2023, Stroud set several NFL and Texans franchise records, including the most passing yards (470) and touchdowns (five) by a rookie in a single game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was also named for the 2023 Pro Bowl and PFWA All-Rookie Team. As of January 2025, he has played in 32 games with a record of 19-13, completing 655 passes of 1,031 attempts for 7,835 passing yards, 43 touchdowns, 17 interceptions and 90 sacks, according to Pro Football Reference.
Who are C. J. Stroud's parents?
C. J. Stroud's parents are Kimberly and Coleridge Stroud. He was born on October 3, 2001, in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Having suffered various setbacks throughout his life, with his father being incarcerated when he was just 13, in a February 2020 interview, Stroud conveyed a strong message: "My life has been like a roller coaster. It’s been up and down. I’ve been through hell and back. I’ve been through so much in my life. I had to grow up early. I had to grow up really fast. " (as per Eleven Warriors)
Who is C. J. Stroud's father?
CJ Stroud's father is Coleridge Stroud. A pastor at the Life Application Christian Center that was headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga, it was his father who first introduced the game of football to Stroud. However, the youngster's upbringing was remarkably difficult. Coleridge received a 38-years-to-life sentence when he pleaded guilty to kidnapping, robbery and carjacking in a drug-related incident in 2016, when Stroud was just 13 years old back then.
Prior to that, from a young age, Stroud considered his father to be his best friend. Coleridge had turned his life around after his first sentence more than 20 years ago. Then he had been convicted of a drug conviction but had since left that life behind. He became a pastor, a successful executive, a coach, and a father to Isiah, Asmar, Cieara and C. J. (via People)
The drugs returned to Coleridge's life when his children were young. A divorce in 2012 further fuelled the spiral that eventually led him to prison. Understandably, Stroud shied away from speaking about his father for a long time, but he wants to be an advocate for others who may be going through troubled childhoods.
Who is C. J. Stroud's mother?
Kimberly Stroud is the mother of C. J. Stroud. She was left to raise four kids by herself after her husband's imprisonment. Struggling to meet ends, the People reported that she worked as a "property manager for a storage facility." In reference to those times, Stroud stated to the Columbus Dispatch that “it sucked. But now it teaches me that money really doesn’t matter. Money really isn’t an object to me because it can be gone in the blink of an eye, which I think is a positive.”
In September 2022, Kimberly shared with The Columbus Dispatch that they received extensive support from various travel-ball team coaches. "It took a village," she remarked. Due to his talent, many people rallied around him. She also said that there were instances when she couldn't afford certain equipment that he needed, but his supporters provided him with what he required.
FAQs on CJ Stroud
A. C. J. Stroud has an older sister named Cieara and two older brothers, Isaiah and Asmar, according to Stroud's Ohio Buckeye biography.
A. No, but C.J. Stroud was the Heisman Trophy finalist in the 2021 and 2022 seasons during his time with the Ohio State Buckeyes.
A. C.J. Stroud has recorded 43 touchdowns as of January 2025, according to Pro Football Reference.
A. C.J. Stroud's throw ranged between 59 to 62 miles per hour, according to the NFL.
A. C.J. Stroud has 7,835 passing yards as of January 2025, according to Pro Football Reference.