HOUSTON – Taking his cuts at the plate and fielding ground balls while soaking up the moment at Daikin Park as he met some of his favorite baseball players, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud counted himself as extremely fortunate.
Playing in Travis Scott’s annual Cactus Jack HBCU softball classic for the second year in a row, the former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year was visibly excited about the experience and being a professional athlete in the city of Houston.
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Two years into his tenure with the Texans, Stroud has made it to one Pro Bowl after his rookie year and declined an opportunity to participate in one this year. He’s won two AFC South division titles and a pair of wild-card round playoff games. And he’s passed for 7,835 career yards, 43 touchdowns and 17 interceptions for a respectable 93.7 passer rating.
And Stroud has made an impact off the field in the community through the foundation he and his mother, Kimberly, run with family members and partners. Being a part of this event is another way the 23-year-old California native stays involved and is accessible to fans in an event that supports baseball teams from historically Black colleges and universities.
“It’s a blessing, man,” Stroud said. “Shoutout to Trav and what he’s doing and the Cactus Jack foundation and putting this great show on. I love Houston, man. I pray every day and I just thank God for the opportunity to be here every day. So, I hope I’m here for 100 years and whatever the Lord allows me to be. I’m super, super blessed and grateful.”
Travis Scott’s star-studded softball game was a home run for HBCUs
Stroud was joined by several athletes and celebrities, including Terrell Owens, Johnny Manziel, Andre Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Jose Canseco, C.C. Sabathia, Metro Boomin, Tyla and baseball players Ryan Howard and Prince Fielder.
“Ryan Howard, I just told him, him and Prince Fielder were my favorite players growing up,” Stroud said. “Prince Fielder, Ryan Howard and C.C. Sabathia and, of course, Barry Bonds and stuff and Ken Griffey Jr. I love baseball. I love watching it. It’s crazy just to join a field with them.”
Stroud attended the Rockets’ basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, watching and interacting with Kevin Durant.
“KD is my favorite player growing up, I told him that when I first met him like two years ago,” Stroud said. “He’s showed me love ever since. That’s really respect. He’s a big brother of mine and I’m definitely a big fan of his and I appreciate him saying what’s up to me.”
Travis Scott @trvisXX at his third annual Cactus Jack softball game @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/FrqKBa6w0E
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 14, 2025
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.