C.J. Stroud has quickly become one of the best rookie quarterbacks in the NFL. People admire him not only for his great performance on the field but also for his interesting full name. As the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Stroud has led the Houston Texans to an unexpected playoff appearance, breaking many rookie records along the way. However, many fans are curious about the story behind his name.
So, what is C.J. Stroud’s full name? The answer is Coleridge Bernard Stroud IV. This special name has a deep family history; his great-grandfather passed it down. C.J.’s great-grandfather, originally named “Coleridge Bernard Stroud,” may have been named after the English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, despite reports from Cleveland.com‘s Stephen Means suggesting he was named for a 19th-century Greek philosopher.
While the “C” in C.J. is easy to understand, the reason behind the “J” is unclear. Stroud mentioned that he had been called C.J. since birth, a nickname his mother gave him. Unlike many people with similar initials, the “J” does not stand for “junior,” in his case, since his father’s name is Coleridge Bernard Stroud III. The uncertainty around the “J” has led to some guesses, with some thinking it might just be a family nickname. Stroud himself hasn’t explained this further, leaving many curious about its meaning.
What’s The Importance Of C.J. Stroud’s Full Name?
Stroud’s full name is important for reasons beyond just being attractive. His father, Coleridge Bernard Stroud III, has a complicated past. In 2015, he was sentenced to 38 years in prison for serious crimes like carjacking and robbery. This situation adds emotional depth to Stroud’s journey as he balances his personal life and football career while trying to support his family.
Reflecting on this relationship, Stroud shared, “That’s what I’ve been battling with, trying to still be a family man … and still be a football player and do my job.” His connection to his father has inspired him to speak out for prison reform, especially supporting the REFORM Alliance, which works to improve probation and parole systems.
Despite the grand nature of his full name, Stroud chooses to keep it simple. He prefers “C.J.” on his jersey’s back instead of “Stroud IV.” His mother, Kim, lovingly calls him “Cool Breeze,” which refers to his calm nature both on and off the field. Stroud’s record-breaking performances and impressive skills are set to make his name increasingly prominent in NFL history, celebrated for both its elegance and the story behind it.
