Several current and former Houston professional athletes hosted events at multiple Dick’s Sporting Goods over the weekend, celebrating the opening of two new stores in Katy and Baybrook, Texas.
Former Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt was in Katy, while rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud spent time in both locations. Stroud spoke with KPRC2 Houston Sports about his first few months donning the deep steel blue.
The 21-year-old was grateful for the number of fans that wanted to see him, but he’d like to continue giving back to them.
“It’s a blessing, man,” Stroud said. “I prayed and dreamed about this my whole life. To get support from the city of Houston means everything. I really want to be a great leader in the community and of course a great football player as well. I want to be a great role model to the kids as well, that’s something that I’m big on.”
Stroud quickly realized that the NFL is/will be much different than his time at Ohio State. However, he’s really enjoyed the ride so far.
“It’s a business,” Stroud said. “I think the Texans as an organization do a great job of trying to be personable and build relationships. I’m trying to be the best C.J. Stroud and the best businessman as well. Just being a pro on and off the field is something I’ve been working on.”
As the NFL offseason begins to end, Stroud looks forward to not only improving himself during training camp but his teammates as well. He hopes to accomplish this by building chemistry with the Texans on and off the field.
“It’s all about getting better,” Stroud said. “Not just me, but everyone around me as well. I’m going to a couple of events with my guys to have chemistry and team bonding. The closest teams are the best teams. Just trying to build a tight-knit team and I’m at the forefront of that.”
The Texans begin training camp on July 26 at 9 a.m. CT.