Politics
Star Quarterback Praises God After Losing Playoff Debut: ‘Through Thick And Thin’
In an emotional press conference following a devastating 34-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Round, Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud remained resolute and grateful, attributing his strength to his faith in God.
Despite the tough defeat marking the end of a remarkable debut season, Stroud’s demeanor was one of humility and hope. “First of all, I just want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It’s been a heck of a year,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Stroud remained optimistic about the team’s potential, saying, “Our future’s bright, man.”
The quarterback’s deep faith was evident as he spoke about leaning on it during tough times. “I think for me, what I lean on through thick and thin,” Stroud reflected. He conveyed a sense of resilience and hope for the future, saying his growth not just as a player but as a person and a “man of God.”
WATCH:
Throughout the season, Stroud has been seen writing messages on his wristband before games, a practice attributed to his faith and personal motivations. Among the symbols and phrases, he includes a cross, the number 777, and his favorite scripture, Proverbs 3:5-6.
Following the Texans’ clinch of a postseason berth two weeks ago, Stroud also attributed his and the team’s success to divine intervention. “Man, it’s a blessing,” Stroud said, his voice heavy with emotion. “I can’t do nothing but just thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, man.”
“I just feel like God wouldn’t put nothing on me that I couldn’t handle. And I feel like who I am as a person, the work I know I put in, that’s plenty,” said Stroud.
As the team looks to the future, Stroud’s leadership and positive outlook suggest that this is just the beginning of a promising career.
REACTIONS:
Being from DFW I have a hatred for Houston sports and love to give their fans a hard time, but they have a real one in CJ Stroud. This throw was gorgeous. pic.twitter.com/uMdBXMv69A
— D 🏆 (@TxForever) January 22, 2024
This Lamar Jackson and C.J. Stroud post-game meeting🥹
Stroud: “Go win it all, bro”
Jackson: It’s just the beginning for you..you feel me? You’re gonna be there. They’re waiting on you”
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) January 22, 2024
An example of C.J. Stroud’s personality & leadership. I asked Will Anderson what his immediate conversations were with CJ Stroud after the loss. “I was crying. He wasn’t crying. He’s just telling me, ‘we got this’ ” (much more in video below) #Texans @SportsTalk790 pic.twitter.com/OG5D0alhMv
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) January 22, 2024
NBC Sports reposted an interview with Texans QB C.J. Stroud
But NBC suspiciously edited the video, omitting what Stroud would consider the most principled line in his response:
His mention of Jesus Christ pic.twitter.com/nvNxbU7qKc
— OutKick (@Outkick) January 17, 2024
CJ Stroud on what it’s like knowing that teammates & coaches belief in him & if it puts weight on him #Texans
“Just like it’s on me, it’s on all of us they know that, but man I’m at the forefront of that. If that so be it, then I’m with that.” pic.twitter.com/Mg0N0XBsI2
— Shaun Bijani (@ShaunBijani) January 22, 2024
