5 Shocking Truths About C.J. Stroud's Parents And The Family Tragedy That Forged An NFL Star

The remarkable journey of Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, who took the NFL by storm in his rookie season, is a story of incredible talent forged in the crucible of profound family adversity. As of late 2024, the narrative surrounding the young star is incomplete without understanding the complex, often heartbreaking circumstances involving his parents, Kimberly Stroud and Coleridge Bernard Stroud III.

The foundation of C.J.'s success is built on his mother's unwavering strength and a powerful, though physically distant, relationship with his father. This deep dive reveals the definitive, updated facts about his parents, the family's history, and the impact of a tragedy that continues to shape one of the league's brightest talents.

C.J. Stroud Family Biography: The Pillars of His Life

C.J. Stroud is the youngest of four children born to Kimberly and Coleridge Bernard Stroud III. His full name is Coleridge Bernard Stroud IV, carrying on the family legacy. The family's roots are in Rancho Cucamonga, California, where C.J. grew up.

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Coleridge Bernard Stroud III (Father)

• Full Name: Coleridge Bernard Stroud III.
• Former Profession: He was a former pastor at the Life Application Christian Center in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
• Relationship with C.J.: He was C.J.'s first coach and a major influence on his early life, with C.J. often describing them as very similar.
• Incarceration Status: Currently serving a 38-year-to-life prison sentence in California.
• Charges: He pleaded guilty in 2015 to charges including carjacking, kidnapping, robbery, and misdemeanor sexual battery, stemming from a drug-related incident.
• Incarcerated Since: 2016, when C.J. was 13 years old.

Kimberly Stroud (Mother)

• Full Name: Kimberly Stroud.
• Role: She is the bedrock of the Stroud family, raising C.J. and his three older siblings as a single mother after her husband's incarceration.
• Resilience: C.J. frequently credits his mother's strength, faith, and sacrifice for allowing him to pursue his football dreams, calling her his "hero."
• Current Status: She is a constant, supportive presence in C.J.'s life and career, often seen at his Ohio State and Houston Texans games.

C.J. Stroud's Siblings

C.J. is the youngest of four children, a close-knit group that relied on each other after their father's imprisonment.

• Brothers: Isaiah Stroud and Asmar Stroud.
• Sister: Ciara Stroud (sometimes spelled Cieara).

The Incarceration: How a 38-Year Sentence Changed Everything

The pivotal moment that reshaped the Stroud family dynamic occurred in 2016. C.J. was only 13 when his father, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III, was sentenced to a term of 38 years to life in a California state prison.

The charges stemmed from a series of severe felonies, including a carjacking and kidnapping incident, to which Coleridge pleaded guilty. This abrupt separation meant C.J.'s father was unable to attend any of his son's high school, Ohio State, or professional NFL games.

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The emotional and financial fallout of this event forced the family to move from their home and significantly altered C.J.'s childhood. His mother, Kimberly Stroud, shouldered the immense burden of raising the four children alone, demonstrating a spirit of resilience and faith that C.J. often speaks about publicly.

C.J. has been vocal about his father’s situation, using his platform to discuss the complexities of the criminal justice system and the need for reform.

The Unbreakable Bond: C.J.'s Relationship with His Father Today

Despite the physical distance imposed by Folsom State Prison, C.J. Stroud maintains a relationship with his father, Coleridge III. He views his father's absence not as a source of shame, but as a driving force behind his success and a point of topical authority for his advocacy.

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C.J. has openly shared that he speaks with his father regularly. This ongoing connection is crucial for the young quarterback, who has stated that his father's story is a reminder to appreciate every moment and opportunity.

The Houston Texans star has used his personal adversity to fuel his philanthropy. He has publicly announced his long-term plans to integrate his father into his charitable work upon his eventual release.

“I want to help the youth, and I want to help people who have been in my shoes,” Stroud said, indicating a desire for his father to work with his foundation to mentor young people who have a parent in the criminal justice system.

The Strength of Kimberly Stroud: A Single Mother's Sacrifice

The true hero of C.J. Stroud's formative years is undoubtedly his mother, Kimberly Stroud. After her husband's incarceration, Kimberly became the sole provider and emotional anchor for the family.

She instilled a strong sense of faith and discipline in her children, often relying on her Christian faith to navigate the financial and emotional hardships.

Her commitment meant making significant sacrifices, including living in a modest apartment and working tirelessly to ensure C.J. could continue to pursue his football aspirations. This early adversity and the example of his mother's resilience are key LSI keywords that define C.J.'s character today.

C.J. has repeatedly emphasized that his mother's unwavering support is the reason he reached the pinnacle of college football at Ohio State and became a top NFL draft pick. Her presence at his games, often cheering from the stands, symbolizes the family's triumph over early adversity.

From Adversity to NIL Deals: C.J. Stroud's Enduring Legacy

C.J. Stroud’s success story is a powerful testament to family resilience and the ability to overcome significant challenges. His narrative is one of the most compelling in the NFL, directly addressing topics like early adversity, the impact of the criminal justice system on families, and the power of a single mother's love.

Today, as a high-profile quarterback for the Houston Texans, C.J. uses his platform—and the financial security from his NFL contract and lucrative NIL deals while at Ohio State—to advocate for families facing similar situations. His openness about his father's incarceration and his mother's strength has provided a voice for countless others, turning a private family tragedy into a public message of hope and forgiveness.

His commitment to his family, and his forward-looking plan to involve his father in his foundation, solidifies C.J. Stroud’s legacy as an athlete whose impact extends far beyond the football field.