What happened to C.J. Stroud dad? A Quarterback’s Quest Beyond the Gridiron

C.J. Stroud, the emerging star quarterback for the Texans, isn’t just making headlines for his prowess on the football field. While his athletic achievements are capturing the nation’s attention, it’s his deeply personal journey intertwined with a fervent advocacy for prison reform that truly distinguishes him.

At the tender age of 22, Stroud is not only chasing playoff dreams but also championing a cause rooted in his own familial struggles.

The story behind his drive offers a poignant glimpse into the challenges many face within the U.S. criminal justice system.

The Power of Vulnerability

Stroud admits to being a private individual. The limelight of the NFL and the probing eyes of the public are not places where he naturally feels comfortable revealing his vulnerabilities. Yet he recognizes the importance of breaking his silence.

In a candid moment with AP News, he shared, “Being vulnerable as a man is just as honorable as being private.”

Growing up with the mantra of not revealing personal struggles, he realized the value of opening up, especially in the later stages of his life.

From Achievements to Advocacy

Following a standout performance against Tampa Bay, where he set a rookie record with 470 yards, Stroud could have basked solely in the glow of his accomplishments. Instead, he chose to use his moment in the spotlight to shed light on his father’s situation and the broader issue of prison reform.

He expressed a deep-seated desire to reach out to children undergoing similar experiences: “I wanted to be vulnerable…to let people know not only am I a product of it, but you can become something more than that.”

What happened to C.J. Stroud dad?

Coleridge Bernard Stroud III, dad of NFL quarterback CJ Stroud, was sentenced to 38 years to life in 2016 for charges related to carjacking, kidnapping, and robbery in a drug-related incident.

He is currently incarcerated at California’s Folsom State Prison. Instead of distancing himself from this painful past, CJ Stroud has chosen to harness his platform, drawing attention to an issue close to his heart: prison reform.

Actions Speak Volumes

While Stroud’s public discourse on his father’s incarceration might be limited, his actions speak louder. Financially supporting his father’s legal battles and appeals has been a consistent commitment since his football career took off.

Collaborating with Michael Rubin’s REFORM Alliance showcases Stroud’s determination to drive tangible change in the criminal justice system. His dedication was further underscored when he sported cleats highlighting prison reform during the NFL’s My Cause, My Cleats game.

Seeking Justice for His Father

At the tender age of 13, Stroud faced the harsh reality of his father’s incarceration. Coleridge Bernard Stroud III was convicted on charges of carjacking, kidnapping, and robbery in a drug-related context.

Currently serving his sentence at California’s Folsom State Prison, Stroud’s father received a harsher sentence due to past offenses.

However, CJ Stroud firmly believes his father was coerced into confessing, stating, “He was bamboozled into making a decision…a lot of times, people need rehab and help, not jail.”

A Beacon of Hope

Despite the adversities, the upcoming game against the Colts offers a silver lining. Scheduled as a prime-time, nationally televised game with playoff implications, it presents an opportunity for Stroud’s father to witness his son’s prowess from behind bars. This game symbolizes more than just football; it’s a testament to a son’s love, resilience, and unyielding commitment to reforming a flawed system.

In the multifaceted world of the NFL, CJ Stroud stands out not just as a promising talent but as a beacon of hope, advocating for change and using his influence for a cause larger than himself.