Scored 40 on Miami Heat Star, Texans’ CJ Stroud Challenges Kevin Hart’s Celebrity MVP Title

There’s a new kid on the block in the NFL, and he’s coming to shake up the basketball court as well. CJ Stroud, the Houston Texans’ exceptional rookie quarterback and the Offensive Rookie of the Year, is up for a new task: unseating comedy legend Kevin Hart as the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game MVP.

Strouds has been igniting fans’ debates recently with his rumored history with Jaime Jaquez Jr.– the hoops talent from UCLA now making waves with the Miami Heat. After an equally spectacular freshman year, Stroud put his hoop talents on display at the 2024 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, scoring a sick 31 points and 11 rebounds. Now, the young gun has his sights set on the ultimate prize – Kevin Hart’s coveted Celebrity MVP title. “I’m coming after your celebrity MVP next week, I’m going,” Stroud boldly told Hart on the “Cold As Balls” podcast.

The NBA All-Star Celebrity Game has been a beloved tradition for over two decades, attracting a star-studded lineup of big-name ballers. Adding to the event’s energy will be the coaching matchup between ESPN personalities Stephen A. Smith and NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe. The two sports media titans will be leading their respective squads, with support from the likes of Peyton Manning, 50 Cent, and Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson serving as assistant coaches.

Fans can expect plenty of banter and spirit as the celebrity ballers take the court. But none have been as dominant as Kevin Hart, the four-time MVP who has become the ‘LeBron’ of the event.

Hart’s reign as the king of the Celebrity Game has been nothing short of legendary. His blend of comedic flair and hoop skills has made him a fan favorite, leaving many to wonder if anyone can dethrone him. Enter Stroud, the young upstart with a burning desire to prove he’s not just a one-trick pony.

CJ Stroud likes to play hoops from high school courts to celebrity showdowns

Before Stroud was lighting up the NFL defense, he was making waves on the high school hardwood. In a recent interview on Micah Parsons’ podcast, “The Edge,” the Texans QB revealed a surprising nugget from his past – he once out-dueled a future NBA star on the prep court.

Stroud, who attended Rancho Cucamonga High School in California, claims he dropped 40 points on Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat. “You know who the star player on the Miami Heat is right now, other than Jimmy Butler? Jaime Jaquez. Played at UCLA. That game I scored 40 points was on him… Stop playin’ with me bro,” Stroud declared, oozing with confidence.

This revelation adds an intriguing layer to Stroud’s athletic pedigree, showcasing his versatility and mastery of multiple sports. While he ultimately chose to pursue football, the young quarterback’s love for basketball has remained evident, culminating in his standout performance at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.

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“My friend started to get to 6’10 and uh like 68 66 I stayed around 6’2 6’3 so uh they started blocking my shot and I didn’t like it so I went to the football field,” Stroud explained to Hart, highlighting how his height limitations led him to focus on the gridiron.

As Stroud prepares to take on the celebrity world’s best ballers, his high school exploits serve as a testament to his well-rounded athletic abilities. The stage is set for a showdown between the NFL’s rising star and the comedy world’s reigning king, as Stroud looks to add the Celebrity MVP trophy to his growing collection of accolades.

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