C.J. Stroud is an American football quarterback currently playing for the Houston Texans in the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 3, 2001, in Rancho Cucamonga, California, Stroud emerged as a standout athlete during his high school years, leading his team to a successful season and earning recognition as the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin Offensive Player of the Year. Despite initial skepticism from scouts, he finished as one of the top-rated quarterbacks in his national graduating class. Stroud committed to Ohio State University, where he became the starting quarterback in his sophomore year. Over his college career, he threw for over 8,000 yards and 85 touchdowns with only 14 interceptions, achieving a passer rating of 182.4. His performance earned him a Heisman Trophy finalist nomination and established him as one of the nation's premier collegiate quarterbacks. Selected second overall by the Houston Texans in the 2023 NFL Draft, Stroud quickly made an impact in his rookie season. He set a record for most passes without an interception to start an NFL career and finished the regular season with 4,108 passing yards, the third-highest total by a rookie in league history. Stroud was named Offensive Rookie of the Year for 2023, helping lead the Texans to a playoff berth. His leadership and consistent play have made him a central figure for the team's future. Stroud is recognized for his accuracy, decision-making, and ability to perform under pressure. His journey from a challenging childhood to NFL stardom has been widely noted, and he remains a prominent young talent in professional football.