Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud — one of this season’s rising stars in the NFL — isn’t just known for throwing touchdown passes and getting his team into the playoffs.

Stroud also made headlines for his faith after thanking Jesus following his team’s 23-19 win over the Indianapolis Colts this past Saturday, earning the team a spot in the playoffs that start this weekend.

Stroud said making the playoffs this season “is a blessing.”

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“I can’t do nothing but thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” he added, an acknowledgement that earned Stroud widespread praise by Christians on social media.

Stroud, 22, also talked about the many difficulties the Texans had to overcame this season, including going just 4-4 on the road but ultimately finishing the regular season with a 10-7 record, first in the AFC South.

“I’m just blessed enough to be the vessel that Christ picked to lead this great franchise,” he said. “So, I can do nothing but thank the Lord.”

The Texans are playing at home Saturday when they take on the Cleveland Browns in a wild card game at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Stroud — known for writing Bible verses on his wristband — also thanked his teammates.

“It’s not just me out there,” he added.

Growing up in the church

Stroud, who was born in Rancho Cucamonga, California, is one of the NFL’s most-promising quarterbacks. His journey from small-town kid to a rising star has captivated the sports world since he was drafted by the Texans No. 2 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Raised in a supportive family, Stroud — who goes by C.J. but whose full name is Coleridge Bernard — showed an early interest in the game. Stroud played in various youth leagues, and his dedication to the sport became evident early on. Stroud’s years at Rancho Cucamonga High School were a crucial chapter in his development as an athlete.

Stroud’s parents, Kimberly and Coleridge, married in 1997 and had four children — Isaiah, Asmar, Ciara and C.J. — before Kimberly filed for divorce in 2012. Stroud’s father, a former pastor, influenced his son’s Christian faith and helped get his son interested in football.

“People slip up. … People make mistakes. As I’m getting older, I’m realizing how tough it is to be a man — not only a man, but a Black man in our communities,” C.J. told The Columbus Dispatch in September 2022. “I think I thrive now at this age, just understanding that doing the right thing is the right way and letting God lead your life is the best way. That’s what I learned from my father.”

Stroud’s parents had helped build a church called Life Application Christian Center in Rancho Cucamonga. Coleridge served as the pastor. Coleridge would sometimes involve C.J. in his sermons and even ask him to speak to the congregation.

“C.J. and Ciara, my younger two, that’s all they knew was church. We went to church several times a week,” Kimberly told Fox Sports in November 2022. “We dedicated a lot of our time to volunteering in our neighborhood, in our community. So my children spent a lot of time being selfless and knowing there’s a lot, there’s a big world out there, and you’re not the whole world.”

Despite facing challenges and tough competition, Stroud emerged as the starting quarterback, showcasing his remarkable arm strength, accuracy, and ability to read defenses. Under his leadership, the team achieved unprecedented success, and C.J.’s name began to gain recognition on the national stage.

From college star to NFL standout

As college recruiters took notice of Stroud's impressive form, he faced the challenging decision of choosing the right university to continue his football journey. In 2020, Stroud committed to playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes, a program known for its rich football history and commitment to developing top-tier athletes.

Entering Ohio State as a highly touted freshman, Stroud faced the pressure of living up to expectations. However, he embraced the challenge. In 2021, Stroud had a breakout year. As the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes, he showcased his ability to lead under pressure, delivering a series of clutch performances in crucial moments. NFL scouts soon came knocking.

Following the 2022 season, Stroud announced he would forgo his remaining two years of college eligibility and enter the draft.

“I'm just honestly just trying to stay stress-free,” Stroud said of the week leading up to the draft. “I mean, a lot of things are not in my control anymore. I feel like the combine and pro day, there were controllable for me.”

Stroud has put together a remarkable rookie season for the Texans. With a 23-yard pass to Nico Collins on the opening play of the second half against the Indianapolis Colts last Saturday night, Stroud surpassed the 4,000-yard passing mark for the 2023 season.

Now Stroud has the chance to take the Texans on a deep playoff run. He could even lead the team to a Super Bowl. Stroud, however, would have to make history since no rookie quarterback has ever lifted the Vince Lombardi trophy.

Despite how far the Texans go this winter, Stroud has already proven to have been both a successful quarterback and a humble leader not afraid to discuss his faith in public.

“I’ve played in big games before,” Stroud said about facing the Browns. “The less pressure you put on yourself … I feel that’s when good things happen.”

Clemente Lisi is the executive editor of Religion Unplugged. He previously served as deputy head of news at the New York Daily News and a longtime reporter at The New York Post. Follow him on X @ClementeLisi.