Houston's C.J. Stroud Says Faith in Jesus Gives Him Purpose: 'He's Our Rock, He's Our Why'
The quarterback who has led the Houston Texans to three straight playoff berths and has been at the core of a football resurgence in the city says Jesus is the foundation of his life and the purpose behind everything he does.
The Texans endured three straight losing seasons before drafting quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has since guided the franchise to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons, winning at least one postseason game each year.
Stroud’s rookie season in 2023 coincided with the arrival of new head coach DeMeco Ryans, who is also outspoken about his faith.
“For us, it's faith in Jesus, and you know He's our rock, He's our why,” Stroud told NFL Network during training camp.
“Before anybody ever knew me, He knew me. He knitted me in my mother's womb, just like everybody here. And so we just give Him all the glory and all the praise before we even do anything – and while we're doing it as well. Of course, we're not perfect. We don't claim to be perfect – but we're being healed day by day.”
Football, Stroud added, isn’t life’s ultimate purpose.
“This team is really close when it comes to our faith. And DeMeco is somebody who is very vocal about it as well. Will [Anderson Jr.] is, and I'm appreciative of God putting me in a place where football isn't a say-all-be-all.
“We have something – a purpose greater than just ball. But ball is very important to us, as well.”
The Texans are expected to battle for the AFC South title this season, with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Indianapolis Colts also expected to be in the mix.
Stroud is one of the most outspoken Christian players in the NFL.
After the Texans defeated Indianapolis 38-30 last season, Stroud said he testifies often about his faith, not in hopes of garnering God’s favor for wins, but because Jesus is worthy.
“I don't think God is like, ‘The Texans are going to win,’” Stroud said. “I think regardless of [a] win or loss, He gets the glory. And that’s up to us – and that’s just worship. And I think, Him giving us our talents, our abilities and these jobs, He’s more than worthy of all the worship. And that’s really why we do what we do – it’s not because we want favor from the Lord, even though that would be nice. In my opinion, you don't just get favor from the Lord because you just give Him glory. But He deserves it, and He’s worthy of it. And I look back on my life, He’s been faithful.”
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Nick Cammett/Stringer
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published August 18, 2026.
