This past weekend, C.J. Stroud, the quarterback of the Houston Texans, received much-deserved praise for leading his team to a decisive 45-14 victory against the Cleveland Browns. After the game, NBC’s Kathryn Tappen approached Stroud for a post-game comment. He immediately expressed his faith by crediting his savior, Jesus Christ.
“First and foremost, I just want to give all glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Stroud then thanked the city of Houston and its fans, emphasizing how “blessed” he felt to be a professional NFL quarterback.
“I mean, it’s been amazing being in this city for the short time I have. The love that I’ve received is incredible. I’m doing it for Houston, man. I’m blessed to be in the position I am, blessed to be playing at a high level right now. We just have to keep it going, but I am extremely blessed.”
However, NBC appeared to take offense at the emphasis placed on Jesus and edited out his initial comment. The interview was headlined, “CJ Stroud has a lot of love for his city,” and the clip began with his comments about the city of Houston.
Citizen Free Press noticed the odd twist and tweeted:
“It’s concerning to see NBC actively censoring a player praising Jesus after a huge win. Would NBC have censored his speech if he praised transgenders or Palestinians?”
Stroud has never been hesitant to express his connection to God. In a previous interview, he told reporters:
“For me, it involves a lot of prayer. Knowing that God wouldn’t give me anything I can’t handle. I don’t deserve His grace and mercy, but He still gives it to me, and I’m thankful for that. It’s not about me, it’s about Him and His glory. That’s where it comes from. God made me this way.”
Stroud joins Joe Montana and Tom Brady as the only quarterbacks in the past 50 years to lead the NFL in pass yards per game and touchdown-interception ratio. This year, he became one of only five rookie quarterbacks in NFL history to throw for more than 4,000 yards.
NBC has not responded to requests for comment at this time.
Image Credits:
• Houston Texans via Wikimedia Commons by Keith Allison with usage type - Creative Commons License
• Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud montage courtesy Printerval via Printerval with usage type - Creative Commons License, Creator: Shaak Ti Considerable Othella | Credit: Printerval
Featured Image Credit:
• Houston Texans via Wikimedia Commons by Keith Allison with usage type - Creative Commons License