The 38-Year Shadow: Unpacking The Tragic Story Of CJ Stroud's Father, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III

The story of Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is one of immense talent, resilience, and a deeply complicated family history, a narrative that continues to unfold as of December 2025. Stroud’s incredible success in the NFL has brought renewed attention to the challenging circumstances of his childhood, particularly the incarceration of his father, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III, whose absence and conviction have profoundly shaped the young star's life and perspective on the criminal justice system. The details surrounding his father's 38-year prison sentence are a critical, yet painful, part of Stroud’s personal journey. While the quarterback has been open about the hardship, he has also consistently expressed love for his father, turning a private tragedy into a public platform to advocate for change and share a message of hope, forgiveness, and the enduring power of family connection despite the distance.

Coleridge Bernard Stroud III: A Biographical Profile

Coleridge Bernard Stroud III is primarily known to the public as the father of NFL star C.J. Stroud. However, his life prior to his incarceration was marked by a career in ministry and a family life that was ultimately fractured by legal troubles. The following provides a concise profile of the man whose life story is inextricably linked to one of the NFL's brightest young talents.

• Full Name: Coleridge Bernard Stroud III
• Spouse: Kimberly Stroud (Married in 1997, separated in 2012)
• Children: Four children, including C.J. Stroud (youngest), Isaiah Stroud, Asmar Stroud, and Ciara Stroud
• Former Profession: Pastor/Minister
• Date of Incarceration: Pled guilty in 2015 (when C.J. was 13 years old)
• Current Status: Serving a 38-year prison sentence in a California state prison, reportedly Folsom State Prison

The Conviction: Details of the 38-Year Sentence

The pivotal event that reshaped C.J. Stroud's life occurred in 2015 when his father, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III, pleaded guilty to a series of serious charges. This conviction led to a decades-long sentence, creating a permanent void in the family structure that C.J.'s mother, Kimberly Stroud, had to fill while raising four children.

The charges to which Coleridge Bernard Stroud III pleaded guilty were extensive and severe, stemming from a 2015 incident. The specific counts included:

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• Carjacking
• Kidnapping
• Robbery
• Misdemeanor Sexual Battery

Following his guilty plea, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III was sentenced to 38 years in a California state prison. This long-term sentence means that he will not be eligible for release until C.J. Stroud is well into his professional career, a reality that has fueled the quarterback's outspokenness on the issue.

The details of the crime and the subsequent loss of his father's presence at a crucial developmental age—13 years old—forced C.J. to mature quickly. He has often credited his mother, Kimberly, with providing the stability and strength needed to navigate this tumultuous period, describing her as the foundation of the family.

C.J. Stroud’s Emotional Battle and Call for Reform

Despite the immense pain and public scrutiny, C.J. Stroud has never shied away from discussing his father’s situation. In fact, he has leveraged his platform to bring humanity to a complex issue, offering a perspective on the incarcerated that is rarely heard in professional sports.

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The Ongoing Father-Son Relationship

The relationship between C.J. and his father remains complicated but active. C.J. has publicly shared that he speaks to his father frequently, often seeking advice and support. This connection, maintained through phone calls and rare visits, highlights the emotional tightrope C.J. walks: trying to be a family man and a professional athlete simultaneously. He has noted that his father's situation serves as a constant motivation, driving him to excel and make a positive impact.

The former Ohio State star has spoken about the difficulty of having to manage his public life and his private heartache. In a recent emotional interview, he admitted to battling with the situation, emphasizing the desire to still have a family connection despite the circumstances.

Advocacy for Criminal Justice Reform

C.J. Stroud’s personal experience has galvanized him into becoming an advocate for criminal justice reform. He has publicly stated his belief that the system is broken and that his father’s story is just one example of a broader problem affecting countless families. His focus is not on excusing the crimes but on highlighting the need for restorative justice, second chances, and a more humane approach to incarceration that considers the impact on the families left behind.

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Stroud's narrative provides a powerful counterpoint to the typical rags-to-riches sports story. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the strength of his mother, Kimberly Stroud, who worked tirelessly to ensure her children had opportunities despite the family's financial and emotional struggles.

The Legacy of Resilience and Forgiveness

The story of C.J. Stroud and his father, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III, is a powerful study in forgiveness and resilience. It incorporates numerous entities and themes, including the complexities of the American criminal justice system, the enduring bond of a parent-child relationship, the supportive role of his mother Kimberly, and the motivational power of overcoming adversity. Stroud's transparency about his life—including the separation of his parents in 2012, the family's financial struggles, and the constant communication with his incarcerated father—has resonated with fans and commentators alike.

As C.J. Stroud continues to build an impressive NFL career, his father's 38-year sentence remains a defining, if painful, backdrop. His public discussion of his father's incarceration at Folsom State Prison and his calls for reform ensure that the conversation around family, crime, and redemption remains current and relevant. His journey is a powerful reminder that even the most successful athletes carry burdens that shape their character, their drive, and their advocacy.