Has CJ Stroud’s strategy of self-encouragement made him the star he is today? Probably yes! Beyond leaving an impression on the gridiron, the Texans QB’s positive approach towards life helps him to stay motivated all the time. After finishing his 2024 season with 4,557 passing yards, the Texans’ No. 2 overall pick from the 2023 NFL Draft enters the offseason with some great learnings. They are helping him keep his mental game strong.
Recently, the former Buckeyes player appeared in an interview with Complex Sports media. During the discussion, the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year Award winner was asked how he balances his mental health with on-field challenges and life off the field.
And his answer was quite impressive. CJ Stroud, 23, reflected on his feelings while prioritizing his mental well-being. “Sometimes it’s hard to prioritize it because you’re moving around so much,” he reacted. He went on to share his sentiments about his situation, which can sometimes get a little overpowering. “And you kind of, I don’t know–I don’t want to give a bad analogy, but sometimes you’re like a zoo animal,” he added.
Not only this, but the Rancho Cucamonga, California native also provided some important life lessons, emphasizing self-care and love. “People just treat you for what you do and not who you are. So it’s something that you have to learn, to really stop caring about things other than yourself first,” he dropped pearls of wisdom. He explained it further, saying if you are reluctant to love yourself, it is challenging to love someone else.
Apart from this, he also ensured that taking care of his family is his major priority. He even revealed the dumbest thing he has spent money on – a piece of bling. Then he expressed his regret about spending money on the chain, as the QB could have spent it on his family instead.
His heartfelt admission inspired many as the Heisman Trophy finalist turns to his faith and belief amidst this NFL offseason.
CJ Stroud on his faith and learnings
C.J. Stroud’s deep faith in God is well known. Recently, during the interview with Complex Sports, he also revealed the importance of reading the Bible and self-encouragement books. It even demonstrates his faith in God. “I read a lot of the Bible and then I read a lot of, yeah, self-encouragement books,” he explained. The rising NFL star even elucidated that these books on knowledge and wisdom helped him elevate himself as a young man. Apart from this, he also described that a lot of decision-making books aid him in developing his thinking on prominent matters.
KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 21: Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud 7 after an NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs on December 21, 2024 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire NFL: DEC 21 Texans at Chiefs EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2412211215
In addition to learning from literature, he consistently acknowledges that his faith in Jesus Christ has given him courage as well as leadership on and off the field. Interestingly, Stroud communicates beliefs through the implementation of his standpoint.
Back in January, after the loss to the Baltimore Ravens, his faith in God went viral. “It’s what I lean on through thick and thin,” he asserted. “And I’m just really thankful to God for how much he’s brought me from – I can go all the way to when I was a kid to college to Week 1 to now. I’ve grown as a person and as a man of God in a lot of different ways. I’m just really blessed for that,” he added further.
Not only this, but back in November, while Stroud had a little pony in the MVP horse race, his faith in God spread massively over the internet. “A lot of knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I can’t handle. I don’t deserve His grace and His mercy but He still gives it to me, and I love Him for that. It’s not about me, it’s about Him and His glory. So I think that’s where it comes from. I think God made me like that,” he asserted. And now, once again in the offseason, his consistent faith in God is shining through.
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