“I Would Never Be Here Without Him” – C.J. Stroud Offers a Touching Tribute to Mentor Snoop Dogg for Kickstarting NFL Career

CJ Stroud is probably the best thing that happened to the Houston Texans. On October 5th, Shaq Griffin left the field feeling disappointed as his team, the Texans, trailed the Buccaneers 37-33. They had allowed a late touchdown, and Griffin, a defensive player, knew they had missed a chance to win. However, he remembered his former teammate Russell Wilson’s ability to lead game-winning drives.

Returning to the sideline, Griffin saw a similar confidence in rookie quarterback CJ Stroud, who reminded him of Wilson. And since then, Stroud has arguably been the best offensive Rookie of the Year who will be reminded through the ages. The quarterback was drafted second overall in the 2023 NFL draft. And as he has reached a new level, Stroud remembered his mentor paying him a tribute.

What did CJ Stroud say for Snoop Dogg?

In a latest episode of LOL Network, Offensive Rookie of the Year, CJ Stroud jumped in the cold tubs with Kevin Hart, in the show, and talked about his NFL entry and his mentor, Snoop Dogg. The rookie QB said, “Growing up you see celebrities from afar you see him on TV and Snoop like he really does love kids, he really does love helping his community, and growing up in that League, man, it was a lot of people who were going through some of the same similar issues at home that I was going through.”

He added, “So it was a lot of things that I could relate to a big shout out to SF Snoop man, I am still in contact with him today, and honestly I would never be here without him.” About 10 years ago, when Stroud was in middle school, he participated in the Snoop Youth Football League, which was created by rapper Dogg in 2005. The league aimed to provide inner-city kids with opportunities to play football. And this opportunity helped Stroud in playing football.

During this time in the league, Stroud not only played football but also had Dogg as his coach.

Snoop Dogg is a father-figure for CJ Stroud?

CJ Stroud is now a star quarterback for the Texans and won the Offensive Rookie of the Year. But around 10 years ago, he played football in the Snoop Youth Football League, a non-profit organization, founded by Snoop Dogg to help inner-city kids. Stroud had Dogg as his coach back then. Even today, they maintain a close bond. Dogg has praised Stroud’s focus and sees him as a proud father would. Stroud, in return, admires Snoop Dogg’s positivity and considers him like family, especially since they both grew up in South California. Stroud is grateful for Dogg’s influence on his life, and stays in touch with him.

As a rookie, Stroud had an outstanding season, leading the Texans to success. Once in an interview, he said, “Snoop is definitely one of my biggest role models and a mentor of mine since being young.” He informed that he was “probably like sixth, seventh, eighth grade — around middle school,” when he joined SYFL. Furthermore, he mentioned that he is “still in contact with him and he’s been a blessing” on his life since his childhood.

And as he continues his NFL journey, Snoop Dogg will always support him.

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