Speaking during a press conference after a terrific victory over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, January 13, NFL quarterback CJ Stroud explained how the Christian faith that he and many of his teammates share has helped them bond and perform better as a team during the season.
During the press conference, Stroud called the season and how it went a “blessing” and added that he thanks God for how things are going with his teammates, with whom he said he is very close. He said, “It’s been a blessing. It’s been a heck of a year. I thank God I can just go another week with my teammates. This is like a dream come true as a reminder of how close we are as a team.”
Continuing, Stroud explained how the team blends well together as the players have gotten closer with each other, saying, “We are really, really close. Offense, defense, special teams; we all blend well together. Just to have another week to go out with my brothers; it’s a blessing. I’m super excited for this team and the city of Houston, and I’m just blessed to be in the position I’m in.”
Then, complimenting his teammates and how great it is to see their combined efforts working, he said, “It’s really cool. I put a lot of hard work in, and my teammates do. It’s cool to see the fruits of your labor come to be true. I’m super blessed to be considered with a great name like DeMeco Ryans. He was my favorite quarterback growing up. I’m super blessed and hopefully I can make it too.”
After explaining how close they are were, Stroud turned to why that is: their shared Christian faith. Speaking on it and its importance to them, he said, “I think definitely God is at the forefront of our minds, and we play for an audience of One. Even when everything is going crazy, you can lock hands and have patience. I’m blessed enough to have a leader like DeMeco who is open with his faith.”
Continuing, he added that being Christian publically adds difficulties for those in the public eye because of how people use it to criticize and hold one to a different standard than others, saying, “It’s hard. People hold you to a standard, and that’s what we want as Christians. You know we’re holding our own crosses and we’re trying to be like Christ as much as possible.”
Emphasizing the he knows he and his fellow players aren’t perfect but understand the importance of doing their best to reflect Christ in their lives, he said, “We make mistakes. We’re not perfect. But, at the same time, we know that with God, we ‘can do all things through Christ that strengthens us.’ I’m just really blessed to be part of a great group of God-fearing men.”
Then, commenting on the upcoming game, Stroud said, “I’m really excited to be with my brothers again for another week because, who knows, next year, there’s not going to be the same team. That’s just kind of how the league goes. But, we got another week to go prove ourselves right and then try to win again.”
Watch him here:
