The Deep Roots Of C.J. Stroud's Heritage: Unpacking The African-American Lineage And Faith That Define The Texans Star

The question of C.J. Stroud's ethnicity is a straightforward one, yet the story of his heritage is anything but simple, revealing a deep and powerful narrative of faith, family, and perseverance that has shaped the Houston Texans quarterback. As of today, December 18, 2025, the most current and confirmed information is that C.J. Stroud is African-American, a background he shares with both of his parents, Kimberly Stroud and Coleridge Bernard Stroud III. His journey from a highly-touted prospect at Ohio State to an NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year is inextricably linked to the strong African-American family values and Christian faith that grounded him through significant personal challenges. This article dives past the simple label of his ethnicity to explore the rich, multi-generational history and the very current, impactful achievements that make up the complete profile of one of the NFL's brightest young stars. His background is a testament to the strength found in his roots, which continues to inspire his professional and personal life.

C.J. Stroud: Full Biography and African-American Heritage

C.J. Stroud’s full name is Coleridge Bernard Stroud IV, and he is the fourth person in his family to carry the distinguished name. His life story is rooted in California, where he was born and raised before his collegiate and professional football career took him across the country. * Full Name: Coleridge Bernard Stroud IV * Known As: C.J. Stroud * Date of Birth: October 3, 2001 * Place of Birth: Rancho Cucamonga, California, U.S. * Ethnicity: African-American * Nationality: American * Parents: Kimberly Stroud (Mother) and Coleridge Bernard Stroud III (Father) * Siblings: Isaiah Stroud, Asmar Stroud, and Ciara Stroud (older siblings) * High School: Rancho Cucamonga High School (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) * College: Ohio State University * NFL Draft: 2nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans * Current Team: Houston Texans (Quarterback) * Key 2024 Achievements: 2023 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, 2024 PFWA Good Guy Award, 2024 Pro Bowl Selection Stroud's ethnicity is African-American, a heritage that has been a source of pride and strength for him and his family. His mother, Kimberly Stroud, and his father, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III, both share this African-American background. The Stroud family's lineage is deeply rooted in American history, with the name Coleridge Bernard being passed down for generations, starting with his great-grandfather.

The Profound Influence of Family, Faith, and the Stroud Name

The narrative of C.J. Stroud’s life is defined by the resilience of his family and his unwavering Christian faith, two entities that provide significant context to his public persona and drive.

A Name with Historical Weight

The name Coleridge Bernard Stroud IV is more than just a label; it is a multi-generational legacy. The name itself is reported to be traced back to a Greek philosopher from the 1800s, suggesting a family history that values education and intellectualism. This connection to a distinguished, long-standing name in his African-American family line speaks volumes about the deep roots and history that C.J. Stroud carries with him onto the football field.

The Strength of His Mother and Siblings

C.J. Stroud’s childhood was marked by a significant challenge when his father, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III, was incarcerated in 2016. Coleridge Stroud III is currently serving a 38-year-to-life sentence in Folsom State Prison after pleading guilty to charges including carjacking, kidnapping, robbery, and misdemeanor sexual battery. This event, which occurred when C.J. was only 13, forced his mother, Kimberly Stroud, to become the sole, powerful pillar of the family. She raised C.J. and his three older siblings—Isaiah, Asmar, and Ciara—instilling in them the values of hard work and faith. C.J. has often spoken publicly about his father's situation, not only expressing his love and support but also using his platform to advocate for prison reform, demonstrating a profound sense of empathy and social awareness that goes beyond football.

A Platform for Faith

Beyond his family, Stroud’s Christian faith is the most frequently cited entity in discussions about his character. He is the son of a former pastor and has consistently used his high-profile status to share his beliefs. * Christianity: Stroud is a devout Christian. * Spreading the Gospel: He views his football platform as a blessing and a challenge, regularly stating that his main goal is "to spread the Gospel" and glorify God. * Public Statements: Win or lose, Stroud often gives "all glory to Jesus Christ" in post-game interviews, a practice that has become a defining characteristic of his public image. This deep-seated faith is an essential part of his African-American cultural and spiritual background, providing the calm demeanor and focus that observers note in his performance on the field.

C.J. Stroud’s Current Achievements and Impact in the NFL

C.J. Stroud’s rookie season with the Houston Texans cemented his status as a generational talent and proved that the strength of his background translates directly to success in the professional ranks. His recent awards underscore the timely relevance of his story.

Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl Honors

Stroud became the second consecutive former Ohio State quarterback to win the prestigious Offensive Rookie of the Year award, a testament to his immediate impact on the league. * 2023 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: This award, announced at the 2024 NFL Honors, recognized his outstanding performance, where he led the Texans to a playoff berth. * 2024 Pro Bowl Games: He was named to the 2024 Pro Bowl Games, becoming only the second offensive rookie in Texans history to earn the honor. His performance in the Pro Bowl's precision passing competition further increased the hype for his upcoming 2025 season.

The 2024 PFWA Good Guy Award

Perhaps the most telling recent accolade is the Professional Football Writers of America's (PFWA) 2024 Good Guy Award. This award is given to the player who best exemplifies professionalism and cooperation with the media. Stroud was praised for his outstanding dealings with both local and national media throughout the season. This honor is a direct reflection of the character and values instilled in him by his family and faith. It shows a young athlete who, despite his newfound fame and the intense scrutiny of the NFL, remains humble, accessible, and articulate, using his voice responsibly. In summary, C.J. Stroud is African-American, but his story is a powerful mosaic. It is a story of a quarterback named Coleridge Bernard Stroud IV, who is guided by a strong African-American mother, shaped by the challenging reality of his father's incarceration, and motivated by a profound Christian faith. These are the entities—ethnicity, family, faith, and recent success—that truly define the Texans star.