C.J. Stroud Partners With USAA To Send Purple Heart Recipient To Super Bowl LVIII

Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud is sending USMC Sergeant Craig Mazeska and his son to Las Vegas in two weeks for Super Bowl LVIII.

Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud is giving back entering the offseason by giving one lucky veteran a chance to watch the Super Bowl live in Las Vegas. 

Stroud, with the help of USAA and the Air & Space Forces Association, partnered together to send former Marine Corps Sergeant and Purple Heart recipient Craig Mazeska and his son to Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. 

Stroud, whose older brother Isaiah served in the military, was one of several players around the league to partner with USAA and AFA Air & Space to send multiple veterans to the big game. Stroud also will meet with Mazeska and his son in Las Vegas before the game. 

Other players participating include Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker TJ Watt, and former All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski. 

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"Coming from a military family has helped shape me into the man I am today – seeing firsthand the sacrifice required," Stroud posted to his X account. "Thanks to USAA & AFA_Air_Space. I’m sending ⁦@USMC vet SGT Craig Mazeska and his son to #SuperBowlLVIII in Las Vegas! #SaluteToService." 

Mazeska served in the Marines from 1988 to 1994 and had multiple overseas deployments to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq. He served on the first line of attack during Operation Desert Storm. 

Now retired, Mazeska received a Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal, and unit citation for his heroics while serving. 

Stroud, the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, made headlines in 2023 after guiding Houston back to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Drafted No. 2 overall out of Ohio State, Stroud threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns against five interceptions while posting a passer rating of 100.8.

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Stroud became the first rookie quarterback since Mark Sanchez in 2009 to win a playoff game with his wild-card round victory over the Cleveland Browns. 

He also became the fourth rookie passer to throw for 200-plus yards and three touchdowns in a playoff game, joining Sammy Baugh (1947), Dak Prescott (2016) and Brock Purdy. 

The Texans finished with an 11-8 overall record under first-year coach DeMeco Ryans. They will pick 23rd overall in the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25.