CJ Stroud hopes to lead the Texans to playoffs for the first time since 2019. But there’s a goal in his heart that’s more pressing, with widespread consequences: prison reform. The 22-year-old QB might be on the precipice of a historic career within the NFL, but the path here has been fraught and challenging. But now he’s using his platform to give back to those who got him here.
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Stroud’s father Coleridge Bernard Stroud III went to prison in 2016, receiving a 38-years-to-life sentence after pleading guilty to hefty charges. This is not a fact Stroud tries to hide. Rather, he thinks he’s not vocal enough. By his own admission, the rookie is a private person and its not easy for him to open up about his tough background, but he believes its important for him to be vurlnerable, and to tell his story. Earlier, he talked to AP News and said,
“I don’t like people in my business, but same time being vulnerable as a man is just as honorable as being private. I was raised a little bit to not let people see you down, but to also have an idea of being vulnerable, and I kind of learned that in the later years of my life.”
CJ Stroud’s father used to make him write out a check for “a million dollars” saying that he was going to be a first round pick in whatever sport he chose to play.
Stroud is currently the favorite to go first overall in the NFL Draft
( @BigTenNetwork) pic.twitter.com/UjfmIq64nJ
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) December 1, 2022
“And for me, I just wanted to be vulnerable in that aspect. Just to let people know not only am I product of it, but you can become something more than that for those kids that are going through the same things.”
CJ Stroud was 13 years old when his father was sentenced to 38 years in prison.
This caused Stroud to spend his HS year’s living in a small apartment above a storage facility as the money supply was limited.
Stroud wasn’t able to afford a private coach and was hardly able to… pic.twitter.com/hCL4bbPWVO
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) February 19, 2023
While Stroud has not frequently discussed his father’s circumstances in public, he has actively contributed to covering his legal expenses and supporting his appeals since he began earning money from his football career. Stroud has partnered with billionaire Michael Rubin’s REFORM Alliance to advocate for prison reform. Additionally, he showcased his commitment to the cause by wearing cleats dedicated to prison reform during the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats game last year. Stroud was too young to understand what was happening when his dad was incarcerated, but he knows that “our criminal justice system isn’t right.”
Why was CJ Stroud’s Father Incarcerated?
The Texans star QB was just 13 when his father Coleridge Bernard Stroud III went to prison in 2016 for charges of carjacking, kidnapping and robbery in a drug-related incident and is incarcerated at California’s Folsom State Prison. Stroud senior got a longer sentence due to him having priors. But the QB believes his father had ineffective counsel and was strongarmed into confessing,
“I learned about what happened and things that he pleaded to that he really didn’t do. He was kind of like bamboozled into making a decision (when) he wasn’t really in his right mind. And a lot of times people who have substance abuse issues and things like that, they don’t need jail, they need rehab and help.”
CJ Stroud’s father, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III, has not been able to see Stroud play ONCE during his time at Ohio State or as a Texan.
Stroud’s father is currently serving a 38-year sentence and isn’t eligible for parole until 2040, when Stroud’s career will likely be over.… pic.twitter.com/lAkbLfjxQn
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) November 9, 2023
Stroud’s father was not able to watch any of his games this season, due to the program sceduling. However, this game against Colts was rescheduled to a nationally televised prime time game with a playoff spot on the line. So, Stroud senior, will be able to watch and support his son from prison.
