Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud shared an emotional visit with John Sperring, a 12-year-old Make-A-Wish recipient who has battled congenital heart disease. The heartfelt encounter, captured in a recent ESPN segment, showcased Stroud’s genuine connection with John during a tour of the Texans’ facility, highlighting the quarterback’s compassionate side alongside his rising <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL career.
A Personal and Heartfelt Meeting at the Texans’ Training Facility
As the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, CJ Stroud has rapidly become a cornerstone for the Texans, leading them to consecutive AFC South division titles. Despite the team’s struggle to advance beyond the Divisional Round, Stroud’s promising performance has earned him accolades such as the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year. Beyond his on-field achievements, Stroud’s strong Christian faith played a significant role during his meeting with John.
Organized through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the visit offered John an exclusive glimpse inside the Texans’ facility. In the moving video featured on ESPN’s My Wish series, both Stroud and John share a meaningful conversation rooted in their faith, which visibly moved Stroud to tears.
When Stroud asked John why he supported the Texans, John explained,
“From my hospital room, I can see NRG [Stadium].”
He added,
“And that you’re a great Christian.”
Stroud then shared how growing up with a father who was a pastor shaped his own beliefs, pausing briefly to wipe away a tear.
CJ Stroud hosted a #MyWish visit with John Sperring, a young boy born with a congenital heart disease who became a fan because his hospital room overlooked NRG, and because of CJ’s faith.
“You gonna make me cry.”
“You make me wanna play harder.”
Touching piece by @espn pic.twitter.com/YgyzCt2rs5
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) July 15, 2025
Later in the visit, Stroud presented John with a signed Texans jersey and embraced him warmly. He also shared scripture verses that reminded him of John’s courage and faith. Praising John’s strength in facing such a difficult health battle, Stroud expressed how proud he was of the young fan.
The experience culminated with John joining the Texans in the team huddle at the end of practice. Stroud introduced John to the entire team and lifted him to lead the spirited “One, Two, Three, Texans” chant. As they walked off the field together, Stroud told John,
“You make me wanna play harder,”
underscoring the profound impact of their connection.
This meeting not only provided a joyful respite for John amid his health struggles but also served as a reminder of the Texans’ commitment to community outreach and the powerful role athletes can play beyond the game.
Texans Aim for Continued Success in the AFC South Amid Team Changes
Following his standout rookie season where he earned Pro Bowl honors by tallying over 4,100 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions, Stroud saw a slight statistical dip last year. He completed all 17 starts with 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns, and a higher interception count at 12. This regression has been linked to challenges along Houston’s offensive line and the absence of key receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell due to injuries.
To address these gaps, the Texans invested in fresh talent during the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel to support Stroud’s development. Despite these roster renovations and adjustments to new play-calling strategies, Houston remains favored to capture their third straight AFC South title, supported by optimistic odds from ESPN BET.
With other division competitors facing setbacks—such as the Tennessee Titans’ roster weaknesses, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence recovering from a season-ending concussion, and the unsettled quarterback situation in Indianapolis—the Texans are poised as front-runners to make a deeper playoff run than in preceding years.
The emotional interaction between Stroud and John not only highlights the quarterback’s character but may also serve as inspiration as Houston strives to finally overcome the Divisional Round barrier. This moment of vulnerability and connection reflects the human side of professional sports, reminding fans and players alike of the broader impact their roles can have.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is C.J. Stroud’s best friend?
A. C.J. Stroud gave a heartfelt interview after the game against the Chiefs, when his close friend and teammate Tank Dell got badly hurt.
Q. How much does C.J. Stroud make?
A. Stroud agreed to a four-year deal with the Houston Texans, worth $36,279,243. This includes a $23,384,904 signing bonus and a guaranteed amount of $36,279,243. His average yearly pay is $9,069,811.
Q. How much is C.J. Stroud?
A. Stroud agreed to a four-year rookie deal with the Texans worth $36,279,243. He will get over $9 million each year. This contract is completely guaranteed and comes with a $23,384,904 signing bonus. In 2024, Stroud’s base pay is $915,000, and he also receives a roster bonus of slightly more than $1.4 million.
Q. How much is C.J. Stroud paid?
A. C.J. Stroud is set to make $4.05 million under his deal with the Texans in the 2025 NFL season. His base salary will be around $1.03 million. This base salary matches the NFL’s minimum pay for a player with two years of experience like Stroud.