Texans QB C.J. Stroud Reveals Close Bond With Snoop Dogg: 'Blessing On My Life!'
Today, C.J. Stroud is the star quarterback of the Houston Texans and heavy favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year in just over a week.
About a decade earlier, Stroud, then in middle school, was playing in the Snoop Youth Football League, founded by world-renowned rapper Snoop Dogg in 2005 to help inner-city kids the chance to participate in the sport. Not only did Stroud play in the league, but he had Snoop Dogg as his coach at that time.
All these years later, Stroud and Snoop Dogg still share a close bond with each other. On The Rich Eisen Show earlier this month, Snoop Dogg described Stroud as "laser-focused" and his relationship with the Texans quarterback as that of a "proud father."
Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) drops back to pass against the Baltimore Ravens in the first half of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium.
Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
“He’s so positive,” Snoop Dogg said. “That’s what I like about him is that he’s pushing a different narrative than a lot of these other guys in the league. He’s pushing a real narrative of spirit love and just being a voice of positivity.”
Stroud, 22, reciprocates that respect for Snoop Dogg. In an interview with PEOPLE, Stroud described Snoop Dogg as "just like one of us," due to their similar backgrounds growing up in Southern California. The rookie sensation added that Snoop Dogg was a huge part of his childhood, and still is as an adult.
"He used to invite us to his house and things like that," Stroud said. "That goes a long way. It just seemed like it is more than where you come from. There's a lot more to life and he showed us that... So definitely really appreciative and grateful for Coach Snoop and everything that he's done."
"I'm still in contact with him and he's been a blessing on my life for sure."
Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, just completed one of the best rookie quarterback seasons in league history, throwing for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns with only five interceptions. He also led the once downtrodden Texans to an AFC South title and an appearance in the Divisional Round.
The Ohio State product appears to just be getting started at the NFL level, and rest assured, his old coach will be watching every step of the way.
