Before Jayden Daniels’ exceptional performance this season, CJ Stroud was the poster boy for a dream rookie season. He won the division with the Houston Texans and led them to a playoff victory in his debut season, in 2023. It seems the young quarterback had some help outside his team too — a mentor in the form of Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray. CJ’s mother, Kimberly Stroud, shared how Murray’s blunt and no-nonsense guidance imbibed in her son the wisdom to succeed in the sport.
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The Cardinals QB, who has been plying his trade in the NFL since 2019, urged CJ to always learn from his mistakes and persevere while making “smart moves,” according to Kim. What impressed Mama Stroud the most was Murray’s honesty. And she expressed her gratitude for that on the latest episode of her podcast, The Mom’s POV.
“Kyler Murray was a blessing. He told CJ some of his wisdom and he didn’t hold back. He really told CJ to stay in there, make smart moves, and learn from his mistakes,” said Kim.
“Like I know, Kyler’s been at it a long time but it was just positive between two men that are elite at what they do. They came together in a positive interaction. It was an encouraging type of environment,” she added.
Interestingly, when the Texans faced the Cardinals in November 2023, the mentor ended up on the losing side. Despite throwing 3 interceptions in that matchup, Stroud was head and shoulders above Murray. He completed 27 of 37 passes for 336 yards and 2 TDs. The Texans eked out a 21-16 win over the Cardinals that day.
Stroud has proven his pedigree as a player over the two seasons he has been in the NFL. But his true greatness lies in his ability to pass on the wisdom he received from Murray.
Earlier this season, the Texans QB was seen conversing with Bears rookie Caleb Williams after defeating Chicago 19-13. It was the first NFL match of Caleb’s career. And considering the hype around him, his debut was a disaster. He was sacked 7 times and took 11 QB hits.
Stroud went to him after the game and reminded him that he has the potential to carve out a bright future. For that to happen, all Caleb had to do was learn from his mistakes, advised Stroud.
“Learn from those mistakes. And everything that you got, bro, is in you already, bro. You’re going to be a hell of a player in this league,” said the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year.
And yes, CJ did ask Caleb to stop getting hit. But, as we know now, Caleb went on to get sacked 61 times more this season. Maybe Stroud should have shared his wisdom with Caleb’s O-Line too.
In the press conference after that game, CJ explained that the gesture was his way of paying forward the support he received from veterans, including Murray, during his rookie season.
“I had so many guys coming to me after games last year and that meant the world to me that those guys even thought about giving me advice… So, I just try to give back to what the game is giving me. So, I wish him the best man. I want him to do amazing in this league. I think he will,” Stroud had said.
CJ has been classy and down to earth since his CFB days. Mama Stroud has indeed raised a gem of a man. And he has grown into an amazing football player too, with a penchant for mentoring as much as for leading his side to victories.
