“The Vessel That Christ Picked”: Rookie QB Thanks God For Incredible Playoffs Opportunity

The son of a felon and a rookie quarterback for the Houston Texans, CJ Stroud has been making waves in the NFL not just for his amazing story but because he has been incredibly humble when asked about his success, giving the glory to God rather than focusing on himself. Such could be seen when Stroud helped lead his team to victory over the Indianapolis Colts and secure a spot in the NFL playoffs.

After that 23-19 victory, Stroud spoke about the game and the opportunity to enter the playoffs in his rookie year. Rather than focusing on his own on-field prowess, Stroud spoke about God and thanked Christ for the team’s hard work being rewarded with victory.

He said, when asked how the opportunity sounds, “That it’s a blessing. I can’t do now but just thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ man. I’m sorry I put a lot of work in my team that has everybody counted us out from it from the start so, man, it’s just special to see the city of Houston just want to come up again and I’m just blessed enough to be the vessel that Christ picked to lead this great franchise so I can do damage just thank the Lord.”

Stroud was then asked what he had written on his wristband before the game started. “I’m just curious we could see you writing something on your wristband as you came up out of the tunnel, tunnel to start the game. What was it?” the interviewer asked.

Explaining what he wrote, Stroud said, “Because Ma’am, I put a lot of stuff but, I put a cross, triple sevens, and then ‘to the glory of God.’” Continuing, he said, “And then I’ll put Proverbs 3:5-6. It is my favorite scripture, made for this.” That verse, for reference, says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Further, speaking to ESPN about the team’s hard work and ultimate victory, Stroud said, “Just the time that we put in together, to see the fruits of that labor to come to be, it’s a blessing.” He also added, when speaking to that outlet, “Man, I’m just blessed to be a part of this.”

Watch him here:

Coach DeMeco Ryans, speaking about Stroud and his performance on the field, said, “C.J. doesn’t surprise me.” He added, “We talked about it earlier in the week with C.J. being special in these big-time moments when you need it most, to step up and make plays. He’s done it time after time throughout the entire year. It’s not surprising. That’s who he is. He’s one of the best passers in this league. And he shows it consistently, game in and game out.”

Stroud, for his part, commented on the role Ryans played in the team’s success, saying, “DeMeco is the perfect guy for the job. He brings something out of his players, and it’s indescribable. Just like the strain, the mental stability and that toughness that he talks about. I can do nothing but just be appreciative and thankful for where I was picked to be in this situation right now. It’s just been a blessing.”

Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video