C.J. Stroud shines light on prison reform after historic game
Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud had a historic game Sunday, throwing for 470 yards–breaking the single-game NFL passing record for a rookie–along with tying the single-game touchdown passing record with five, including leading a game-winning drive with under a minute left in the game.
Despite this unreal game from Stroud, he had other things we wanted to discuss at the post-game interview. Stroud wanted to use his platform to discuss prison reform.
Stroud’s father is currently serving 38 years to life at Folsom State Prison in Northern California for multiple charges in a drug-related dispute.
The rookie quarterback previously participated in a REFORM Alliance event in February–Stroud, Bryce Young and Kim Kardashian were at the event to listen to and support prison reform.
“I’m praying to God that something can happen that he can get out and come to one of these games,” Stroud said after Sunday’s 39-37 win over Tampa. “I’ve been praying for him a lot. I didn’t want to make this public, but our criminal justice system isn’t right, and it’s something that I need to probably be a little more vocal about, because what he’s going through is not right. He called me this week, and we got to talk, and I’m praying for the situation and a reform, and the people with reform are helping me a little bit.
“But I think just letting it be known that it’s not just my dad’s situation, but the whole criminal justice system is corrupt. I’ve been watching videos. In Mississippi, some of the prisons there have rats, roaches and things like that. Don’t get me wrong, criminals, they should do their time, but they’re still humans, know what I mean? I just want to shine a light on that really quick.
What shouldn’t get lost in CJ Stroud’s historic day was when asked about breaking the record he mentioned being a family man and talked about the criminal justice system involving his dad. pic.twitter.com/z6RzS5N7R5
&mdash; DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) November 6, 2023
&mdash; CJ Stroud (@CJ7STROUD) February 20, 2023
The Texans finally found their franchise quarterback, and don’t be surprised if C.J. uses his platform to speak up for what he thinks is right, his passion for prison reform and his father’s situation.
“Don’t get me wrong, you make a mistake and it’s criminal, whatever the case may be, you should do whatever you have to do to pay it back to whatever that means, you know what I mean?” Stroud said. “Whatever crime you commit, you have to reap the consequences for that. At the same time, these are still people. We do this. We send money out to other countries and stuff like that, and Lord knows what they’re doing over there with the money.
“I’m not super political and everything. I respect all walks of life. I have love for everybody and that’s what the Lord asked us to do. So, for me, I’ll just try to do my best to shine light on things that not only personally affect me but affect people that I can see with my own two eyes. I can feel that.”
The Texans are 4-4 on the year and are looking for their first playoff berth since 2004. They will take on the red-hot Cincinnati Bengals in Week 10 Sunday.
