The rookie quarterback who led Houston to the NFL postseason thanked his “Lord and Savior” on national television Saturday after setting a new record with the team's opening-game win.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 16 of 21 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns in the Texans' 45-14 win over Cleveland, and Houston hosts Kansas in the second round of divisions on Saturday. They were going to play either City or Baltimore.
He tied the NFL record for most passing touchdowns in a playoff game by a rookie.
“I just want to give all the glory and praise to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” Stroud said. “It's been great to be in this city for such a short amount of time, but the love I have is really just for the people of Houston and my hometown. Being in the position I'm in. And I'm honored to be blessed enough to be able to play at a high level right now. I've got to keep doing that. But I'm very blessed.”
Stroud credited others for his success and said the team had a “tough week” of practice.
“I wouldn't exist without my teammates, my O-line, my tight ends, my running backs, my receivers, my defense,” he said. “If we all work together and play complementary football, it will be difficult to win.”
Stroud surprised football experts during his rookie season, leading the league in passing yards per game (273). He has 23 touchdowns and five interceptions.
He has been open about his Christian faith.
“I'm blessed enough to get up every day and walk, talk, interact with people, and play soccer,” he said in September. “These are all things that we take for granted on a daily basis. But I try to do my best to thank God through it all because of His grace and mercy. Because I believe with all my heart that He laid down His life for us on the cross.”
Houston selected Stroud in the first round out of Ohio State. He finished third in Heisman voting while leading the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff as a senior.
Image credit: ©Getty Images / Carmen Mandato / staff
Michael Faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His story was published in Baptist Press. Christianity Today, Christian Poecent, of leaf chronicle, of toronto star and of knoxville news sentinel.
