CJ Stroud, the second overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, has made a significant impact in his rookie season with the Houston Texans. His outstanding performance earned him the title of Offensive Rookie of the Year, along with Pro Bowl honors and a spot on the All-Rookie Team. Notably, he also led the Texans to a playoff win, making history as the youngest player at his position to achieve such a feat.
One interesting aspect of Stroud’s journey to success is his early involvement in rapper Snoop Dogg‘s youth football league. At the age of 12, Stroud joined the Pomona Steelers in Los Angeles, where he spent two formative years.
Reflecting on his experience in the league, Stroud credited it as a pivotal factor in his development, stating: “Being who I am and growing up in Southern California, you get to dabble in a lot of different cultures. I get to understand people for whatever they really are. I’m able to kind of relate to people really well. God has blessed me with that skill.”
He also emphasized the significance of learning how to be a leader and build a brotherhood during his time in the league. His mother, Kimberly, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging her initial reservations about Snoop Dogg‘s past but ultimately recognizing the positive impact of the league on her son’s journey.
“When we went to the actual practices, [we] saw how everybody was so professional and great people. So don’t judge a book by its cover,” she remarked. “The Snoop Dogg league was super instrumental in C.J.’s journey.”
Snoop Dogg’s mentorship pays off
This is what Snoop Dogg said to ESPN about Stroud:
“Kids in other communities didn’t have football that met the prices that their mothers could afford,” Snoop remarked. “At the same time opening up to other kids, as well, but the initial thought was to help out the urban inner-city and give them opportunities to play.”
“It’s special because [Stroud] is exactly what we breed kids to be. Good students, good athletes, respecting their elders, their parents and being a great listener. C.J. was a great listener. That’s why he’s translating on that football field into a great leader.”
“I like to get information from him because he’s the future … So to be able to tap in with the youth and stay active, that’s a gift, and I love the fact that my football league has created that.”
