The NFL happens to be the ultimate milestone for some players, but athletes like C J Stroud have other aspirations to accomplish. The Buckeyes quarterback, who is a potential first-round draft pick in 2023 and the front-runner for the Heisman trophy, recently spoke about his off-field pursuits. He wants to be a successful businessman, just like his idols, Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James.

The Ohio State gunslinger, who was barely known to anyone last year, carved his niche as one of the top prospects for the upcoming NFL draft. After taking charge as the starter late in the 2021 preseason, Stroud broke 17 school records.

He registered 44 touchdowns and completed 71.9% of his passes. Despite showcasing a fabulous performance in such a short time, the youngster believes that he hasn’t touched his potential. He claimed to possess more abilities than his performance last year.

Meanwhile, the star appeared in an interview revealing his off-field pursuits. Even before setting up a career in the NFL, Stroud has bigger dreams to accomplish. He wants to be a businessman like the NBA greats LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal, paving the way for a dynamic life once he retires from pro football.

“I’ve been a businessman personally, so I definitely hold that to me closely just because I look up to people like LeBron that I definitely want to be like, become their ages and stuff,” Stroud said after speaking about the lessons he learned from doing business.

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” I just had a business and multiple businesses out there. so learn again slowly and then, of course, I’m around people to help me like my marketing agent, Bernie…. so there’s nothing against him, and they always helped me even if there’s a season or I can’t negotiate or do whatever it needs to be done, they’re always in the forefront,” he added explaining the contribution of his colleagues.

Today Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James own a big business empire

Fans refer to this iconic duo as the NBA greats. These legends have already dominated the business world with their brand value and are currently the owners of big empires.

Starting from food chains and startups to technology, Shaq and James have a diverse portfolio. The former Lakers star Shaq boasts a net wealth of $400 million. Meanwhile, LeBron James has already surpassed the Billionaire mark per Forbes.

“It’s my biggest milestone, obviously. I want to maximize my business. And if I happen to get it, if I happen to be a billion-dollar athlete, ho. Hip hip hooray! Oh, my God, I’m gonna be excited,” James said back in 2014. Hopefully, Stroud fulfills all his ambitions with an illustrious career waiting ahead.

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