HOUSTON – Since arriving in Houston as the second overall draft pick, Texans Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud and his family wanted to share more than just his ability to play football.
He wanted to impact people’s lives through his philanthropic works off the field.
Launched last year to help families in need, the CJ Stroud Foundation has benefited those affected by Hurricane Beryl by hosting youth soccer camps and giving back to families in need.
On Tuesday, the charitable foundation held an event at a local HEB, distributing $150 gift certificates, a free turkey ticket, a Texas sweater and a T-shirt to 25 registered families ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
“It’s great for the C..J Stroud Foundation,” said Kimberly Stroud, CJ’s mother. “First of all, we love Houston and we just want to make the holidays a little better. That’s our way of saying thank you for your loyalty not only to CJ, but to our foundation. It was truly amazing.”
Growing up in California, Stroud and his family experienced difficult times as his mother raised him and his siblings as a single parent. Despite hardships, they always remained a close-knit family who supported each other’s dreams.
“When CJ was very young, he always wanted to give back,” Kimberly Stroud said. “He’s just such a wonderful person. He really cared. The CJ Stroud Foundation was started because he wanted people to know that he cares and that he’s not just here to play football, he’s here to make an impact and this is our small way of doing that.
“The impact of the CJ Stroud Foundation only shows the human side of him. It’s not just the glitz and glamor of the football field. We forget that these guys are human beings. These guys have a heart and these guys care, and I think this is the biggest impact we’ve made yet.
Kimberly Stroud highlighted the emotional strain on her heart as she recalled times as a single mother when a free turkey or a $100 gift card could allow her to stretch those things to make ends meet.
“Just seeing how grateful they are means so much,” she said.
The Texans are 6-4 and in first place in the AFC South division. Stroud was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year last season and set several NFL and franchise records.
The Texans are on a two-game losing streak and have lost three of their past four games. Stroud has been sacked 34 times and his numbers have dropped while playing under heavy pressure and without top wide receivers Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs due to injuries.
Criticism of the team and Stroud is increasing, especially on social media and sports radio after an offseason that saw expectations skyrocket and the team being named a major Super Bowl contender.
Although things have been difficult lately, the family maintains a positive attitude and a healthy perspective.
“This is a long journey,” Kimberly Stroud said. “It started a long time ago with my son. One thing I’m always proud of is that I’m a mama bear and these are my little cubs, no matter how old they are. They’re always my babies.
“It’s really hard sometimes to hear the negativity because I know my son’s heart. He just loves Houston. He likes the Texans. He just wants to do the best for them. “I’m excited that we’re hosting this event because it not only uplifts the community, but CJ and Texans, so something positive comes out of it.”
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Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 click2houston.com.
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