Houston Texans' star quarterback C.J. Stroud was ecstatic after a dominant win over the Cleveland Browns. His 274 passing yards and three touchdowns led to a 45-14 victory.
In a post-game chat with NBC's Kathryn Tappen, Stroud's first words were of faith. "First and foremost, I just want to give all glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," he expressed, then shifted to praise Houston and its fans.
However, NBC's coverage stirred controversy. They posted a video omitting Stroud's religious praise. Instead, it started with him lauding Houston. "I mean, it’s been amazing being in this city... I’m super blessed," Stroud said in the clip.
NBC's edit sparked outrage online. Citizen Free Press questioned, "Why did @SNFonNBC remove Stroud saying ‘First and foremost, I just want to give all glory and praise to my Lord, Jesus Christ’?" Critics accused NBC of censorship, especially in religious matters.
Lenny Dykstra, former New York Mets star, chimed in. He predicted more censorship for the rising QB star by "dinosaur media."
Stroud, unfazed, openly shares his faith journey. During MVP talks, he credited his success to prayer and God's grace. "It’s not about me, it’s about Him and His glory," Stroud affirmed.
His resilience, he believes, is God-given. Facing challenges in life and football, Stroud sees his calm demeanor as a divine gift, crucial for leading his team. Even against tough defenses, he remains unshaken, attributing this strength to his faith.