After ranking second in Ohio State Buckeyes’ history with 8,123 passing yards and 85 touchdowns, CJ Stroud ventured into the competitive landscape of the NFL. He was selected by the Houston Texans with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and became the highest-drafted quarterback in the program’s history.
After venturing into the NFL world, Stroud has been raising eyebrows with his phenomenal display of performance. Besides his on-field prowess, he also garnered attention by being a vocal supporter of his father, who is serving time in jail. The QB also has a unique relationship with the renowned Snoop Youth Football League.
Did CJ Stroud play in Snoop Youth Football League?
Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Broadus, transcends the boundaries of his legendary rap career. Beyond the music scene, he possesses a philanthropic spirit that has been demonstrated through his establishment of the Snoop Youth Football League in 2005.
The veteran has offered football and cheerleading opportunities to numerous children from the Greater Los Angeles area annually. The initiative has produced talented athletes who have advanced to the professional level, exemplified by the success story of CJ Stroud.
Before Stroud became Ohio State’s QB and the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft, he played in the Snoop Youth Football League. Describing Stroud’s journey, Snoop shed light on the young star’s standout character traits, portraying him as a resilient, industrious individual. He said the QB’s underdog spirit, which morphed into an extraordinary success story, attributed his accomplishments to an unwavering work ethic.
“CJ has always been a stand-up kind of kid. He’s always been a leader. He’s always been underrated. I’ll say that. I love the fact that he’s always been the underdog that turned into the wonderdog. You know what I’m saying? Because he puts in that work ethic.”
Turns out #Texans star rookie QB C.J. Stroud actually played in Snoop Dogg's youth football league as a kid.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 14, 2023
Snoop says he's so proud of him.pic.twitter.com/j7R1c9nU9F
Days ago, the Texans signal-caller earned heavy praise from the NFL community by showcasing his deep-rooted faith in God. Snoop too credited his faith in God, supportive parents, and a receptive attitude as reasons behind his success.
“He’s a strong believer in God. He’s got great parents and he’s just a great listener. Anytime you got kid who wants to listen and wants to learn, you could definitely get the best out of them. And CJ is one of the kids that come out of the league and that we so proud of.”
In one episode of Overtime SZN’s “Draft House,” the Texans star discussed his bond with the rapper. In Stroud’s own words, Snoop is not just the iconic rapper but an uncle figure, who embodies guidance, support, and familial connections crucial in shaping his character.
“He’s really more like an uncle to me. He’s not really like Snoop Dogg the big-time rapper or the big-time artist and producer, the actor. He’s not all that to me. He’s just ‘Unc'”, he said per Cleveland.com.
CJ Stroud played for the Pomona Valley Steelers in SYFL, one of the best teams in the league.
Looking at players from Snoop Youth Football league who signed in NFL
Among SYFL’s notable alumni stand several athletes who have made their mark in the NFL. Ronnie Hillman, drafted in 2012 by the Denver Broncos, emerged as the pioneer from the SYFL to the NFL. The former San Diego State running back, chosen in the third round, showcased his skills not only with the Denver Broncos but also had brief stints with the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Chargers Chargers before concluding his NFL tenure in 2016.
The shining beacon of SYFL success within the NFL is undeniably JuJu Smith-Schuster. Hailing from USC, he entered the league as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ second-round pick in 2017 and quickly made a name for himself. With impressive statistics including over 4,700 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns, the footballer’s impact extends beyond personal achievements, notably winning Super Bowl LVII with the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2022 season.
Snoop repping his beloved Steelers and JuJu, who grew up playing in his youth football league 🙌 pic.twitter.com/46sIbKWllx
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 1, 2019
Another standout De’Anthony Thomas brought his talents from Oregon to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2014 NFL Draft. Though injuries somewhat affected his career, he displayed versatility as a receiver and rusher, tallying significant yards and contributing with six offensive touchdowns during his NFL tenure.
John Ross, known for his lightning-fast speed and record-breaking 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, ventured into the league as the ninth overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017. Despite his electric pace, injuries hampered his time on the field. After a brief tenure with the Chiefs, the veteran announced his retirement in 2023.
