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The Unseen Battle: 5 Shocking Facts About CJ Stroud’s Father, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III

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The remarkable rise of Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, a leading candidate for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, is a story of immense talent and profound personal resilience. As of this December 2025 update, the former Ohio State star has captured the league's attention, not just with his on-field performance but also with his candid discussions about the man who helped shape him: his father, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III.

The narrative surrounding C.J. Stroud's family life is one of the most compelling and, at times, heartbreaking in professional sports. His father has been incarcerated for nearly a decade, a reality that has profoundly influenced C.J.'s journey from a promising high school recruit in Rancho Cucamonga, California, to an elite NFL signal-caller. This is a deep dive into the life of Coleridge Bernard Stroud III, the legal circumstances of his conviction, and the ongoing impact on his superstar son.

Coleridge Bernard Stroud III: A Biographical Profile

Coleridge Bernard Stroud III is known primarily today as the father of C.J. Stroud, but his life prior to his incarceration was one of community leadership and family focus.

  • Full Name: Coleridge Bernard Stroud III
  • Spouse: Kimberly Stroud (married in 1997)
  • Children: Isaiah Stroud, Asmar Stroud, Ciara Stroud, and Coleridge "C.J." Stroud IV (the youngest)
  • Past Profession: Minister/Pastor. He was a respected figure and the primary financial provider for his family.
  • Residency: Rancho Cucamonga, California (where C.J. was born and raised).
  • Incarceration Date: His guilty plea was in 2015, and he has been serving his sentence since 2016. C.J. Stroud was only 13 years old when his father was incarcerated.
  • Current Status: Incarcerated, serving a 38-year-to-life sentence.

The sudden and dramatic change in his life—from a minister and family breadwinner to an inmate—plunged the Stroud family into financial hardship. This forced C.J.'s mother, Kimberly Stroud, to take on multiple jobs to support her four children, a testament to her strength and dedication as a single parent.

The Legal Details: Why CJ Stroud's Dad is Serving a 38-Year Sentence

The details of Coleridge Bernard Stroud III's legal troubles are complex and serious, forming the core of the family's hardship. The charges stem from an incident in 2015 in Southern California.

The Charges and Conviction

In 2015, Coleridge Stroud III pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges. The conviction resulted in a severe sentence of 38 years to life. The specific charges he pleaded guilty to include:

  • Carjacking
  • Kidnapping
  • Robbery
  • Misdemeanor Sexual Battery

This was reportedly the second time in his life that Coleridge Stroud III had been incarcerated, but the 2015 conviction was the one that permanently altered the trajectory of the Stroud family's life. The family's financial stability was instantly destroyed, forcing them to move and creating a difficult environment for the young C.J. Stroud to pursue his football dreams.

The long sentence means C.J. Stroud may not see his father as a free man for many years, a sobering reality he has had to navigate throughout his college career at Ohio State and now as the face of the Houston Texans franchise. The deep personal pain of this separation has been a quiet motivator for the star quarterback.

C.J. Stroud’s Candid View on the Prison System and His Father

Unlike many athletes who prefer to keep their family issues private, C.J. Stroud has been remarkably open and vocal about his father’s situation. He has used his platform not just to share his story but to advocate for systemic change within the American prison system.

Advocacy for Prison Reform

C.J. Stroud has repeatedly expressed his belief that the prison system is "corrupt" and that it often fails to offer true rehabilitation. His public comments highlight the emotional toll that incarceration takes not only on the inmate but on the entire family unit, especially the children.

In a powerful statement, Stroud spoke about the importance of allowing his father and other inmates to maintain a connection with the outside world. He has emphasized that the system should focus on restoring individuals and preparing them for life after release, rather than simply locking them away. This perspective is deeply rooted in his personal experience of growing up with an incarcerated parent.

The Emotional Impact on the Texans QB

The absence of his father during critical moments of his career—such as his Heisman Trophy candidacy at Ohio State, his NFL Draft selection, and his incredible rookie season with the Texans—is a constant shadow. Stroud has often mentioned that his success is a way to honor his family and keep his father's spirit close.

He has described the experience as a major factor in shaping his character, instilling in him a sense of resilience, humility, and faith. The hardship faced by his mother, Kimberly Stroud, who worked tirelessly to keep the family afloat, also served as a powerful example of perseverance.

The Future: Stroud’s Plans for His Father and Foundation

Despite the long sentence, C.J. Stroud maintains hope for a future reunion and has concrete plans for his father's role once he is released. This forward-looking perspective demonstrates the strength of their bond and C.J.'s commitment to his family.

Working with the Foundation

C.J. Stroud has publicly stated his intention to have his father, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III, work with his foundation upon his release. This plan is a powerful statement of forgiveness and a desire to integrate his father back into a productive life. The foundation, which C.J. will likely use to support at-risk youth or families affected by incarceration, would be a perfect platform for his father to share his own life lessons and experience.

This initiative would transform a story of pain and loss into one of redemption and purpose, using their shared experience to help others who are navigating similar challenges. The foundation's work would inherently address issues of criminal justice reform and family support, topics C.J. is passionate about.

Maintaining Contact

C.J. Stroud has made it clear that he maintains contact with his father, despite the physical distance and the restrictive environment of the prison system. These conversations are vital for both of them, allowing the father to witness his son's success and for the son to continue drawing strength and perspective from his relationship with his dad. This consistent connection is a key element of the family's healing process.

The story of C.J. Stroud and Coleridge Bernard Stroud III is a poignant reminder that even the biggest stars in the NFL carry complex, deeply personal histories. C.J.'s ability to channel his pain into purpose—on the field and in his public advocacy—is arguably the greatest testament to his character and resilience.

Key Entities and LSI Keywords for Topical Authority

To provide a comprehensive understanding of this complex family dynamic, several key entities and related concepts are crucial:

  • Kimberly Stroud: C.J.'s mother, who raised him and his siblings (Isaiah, Asmar, Ciara) while working multiple jobs after her husband's incarceration.
  • Rancho Cucamonga, California: C.J.'s hometown where the family lived and where the legal troubles occurred.
  • Ohio State Buckeyes: The college football program where C.J. Stroud rose to national prominence before the NFL Draft.
  • Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud's current NFL team, where he is the starting quarterback and a leading rookie.
  • 38-Year-to-Life Sentence: The specific term of incarceration for Coleridge Stroud III.
  • Incarcerated Parent: The core theme of C.J.'s childhood and a major factor in his development.
  • Criminal Justice Reform: The cause C.J. Stroud has publicly advocated for, directly influenced by his father's situation.

The Stroud family narrative is a powerful example of how personal adversity can fuel professional greatness. C.J. Stroud's journey is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that a difficult past does not have to dictate a bleak future, and that transparency can be a powerful tool for advocacy and change.

cj stroud dad
cj stroud dad

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