Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has taken the NFL by storm. The QB from Ohio State played sensationally during his rookie season and forced his name into the MVP conversation before winning Offensive Rookie of the Year.
While Stroud has always been in the spotlight — even back in his days as a Buckeye — when you’re playing at a high level in the NFL, that light can shine even brighter. However, it’s not just his play on the field that Stroud wants to talk about. He has bigger things on his mind he would like to see changed, some of which involve his family.
C.J. Stroud Calls for Criminal Justice Reform
Stroud’s play has been an excellent story, but he’s chosen to use his newfound attention to shed light on a situation that hits home for him. Stroud’s father is currently in prison, and the quarterback is speaking out, looking for America to do something about the criminal justice system. Of course, he has seen how it has impacted his and his father’s life.
After a quality performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9 of the 2023 NFL season, Stroud took to the podium and used that moment to talk about his father and the situation he faces.
The idea is that by bringing it up, his words may be able to help reform the criminal justice system even in just a small way.
“That’s what I’ve been battling with, trying to still be a family man … and still be a football player and do my job,” Stroud said. “I got to talk to my dad a little bit this week. I’m praying to God that something can happen, that he can get out and come to one of these games. I’ve been praying for him a lot,” Stroud started.
CJ Stroud is wearing custom prison reform cleats with "free pops" written on them
His father is currently serving a 38-year prison sentence pic.twitter.com/jCGzzrVzwd
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) December 3, 2023
“I didn’t want to make this public, but our criminal justice isn’t right,” Stroud said. “It’s something that I probably need to be a little more vocal about because what he’s going through is not right,” he continued.
“It’s not just my dad’s situation; the whole criminal justice system is corrupt. I’ve been watching videos. In Mississippi, some of the prisons have rats and roaches and things like that.”
MORE: Revisiting Stroud’s Impressive Rookie Season
Stroud wrapped up his thoughts by stating he understands that there are punishments for crimes, but he hopes for better situations than the ones people like his father find them in.
“Don’t get me wrong. Criminals should do their time, and everything should be like that. But they’re still humans. I just wanted to shine a light on that real quick.”
Why Is Stroud’s Dad in Prison?
Stroud’s father, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III, is currently in prison after pleading guilty to a carjacking, kidnapping, robbery, and misdemeanor sexual battery charge that occurred in 2015.
According to reports, on April 12, 2015, police arrested Stroud in downtown San Diego after he allegedly forced himself inside a woman’s vehicle.
MORE: Who Is Stroud’s Mom, Kimberly Stroud?
Allegedly, she was sitting in traffic at a stoplight when he decided to get into her car and demanded that she drive to a location where he could purchase drugs. The woman escaped the situation but alleged that she was assaulted by Stroud during the interaction.
The sentence handed down to Stroud for the incident was 38 years once he pled guilty. He will not be eligible for parole until 2040.