‘Making a difference, incredibly proud,’ how C.J. Stroud foundation transformed elementary school playground

HOUSTON – From bare and rundown circumstances less than a week ago to bright, shiny and vibrant today, the transformation of a remodeled playground was dramatic.

At Southwest Public Schools International Leadership Academy, the children were constantly asking for improvements to their playground. They wanted to play and have fun like any other kids.

Unfortunately, the playgrounds had been declared unsafe without a proper budget to fix them up.

So, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and his charitable foundation led by his mother, Kimberly Stroud got involved to assist this underserved community. They were contacted by Chantal Sanchez, a project leadership manager and social worker at the school.

In partnership with Lowe’s, Lily’s Toy Box and Full Court Peace, the C.J. Stroud foundation is remodeling the playground. It was unveiled and received with great enthusiasm by students Tuesday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“I’m so incredibly proud of my son and he makes it all worth it, and the C.J. Stroud Foundation was founded on hope,” Kimberly Stroud said. “It was founded on giving back to communities and this is just one way that we’ve been able to show that expression of love and I’m just extremely grateful.

“I think it’s so important to bring joy back to children, to communities, you know, bringing that ray of hope, just shining a ray of hope and just letting people know that there is good going on and just seeing those smiles. It just brought tears through my eyes because this was a long time coming. So I’m just grateful we were able to be a part of it.”

The playground has swing sets, a jungle gym, a fabric barrier for privacy, new mulch and lights and a science garden for projects, a racetrack, a physical education area and several other features. There’s even a track for tricycle riding and a space for golf putting.

Since Stroud was drafted in the first round out of Ohio State in 2023, the former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year has made it a huge priority to give back to the community. This is a continuation of his mission.

“C.J., he works so hard and he’s a humanitarian at heart,” Kimberly Stroud said. “He’s not just a football player. And from the very start of him playing football, he’s always expressed that he wanted to make a difference in this world. And that’s exactly what he’s doing. He’s making a difference in this world and I’m just one reflection of that,

“We wanted to build legacies. We wanted to build generational legacies. Children, for years to come that are going to enjoy these playgrounds. And this is something that they didn’t have the budget to do. And we’re able to step in with the generosity of Lowe’s. They did so much work. Never asked for anything back, you know, and gave up so much.”

This is an underserved school with shrinking enrollment. They needed a boost. And they received one from C.J. Stroud and his family.

“I just believe that children should be able to have fun at school and play,” Kimberly Stroud said. “And they had very little equipment out here. And the school, just the budget was very limited. They reached out and asked us for help and I’m just so grateful we were able to help.

“Really, morale was down. And kids come to school sometimes, this is the only joy they have. Sometimes it’s the only meal they have. When you’re in those underserved communities, school is really the ray of hope. That was kind of the stories that I heard.”

On a hot day late last week, Kimberly Stroud and her team partnered up to begin constructing the playground equipment.

It was a lot of hard work, rolling up their sleeves to get it all done.

“I just really want to thank the people at Lowe’s,” Kimberly Stroud said. “We could never have done this without them. They’re an amazing company. They brought resources that I can’t even imagine you know and they just came out with full volunteers and just took over and just did an amazing job. C.J. works so hard and his name means something.

“It’s everything that stands behind the name: his integrity, hard work, all that he does on and off the field and so because of that we’re able to build the C.J. Stroud foundation to be what it is today and that’s hopefully inspiration. The Houston community has welcomed us with open arms and so we can’t help but give back, and they’ve been more of a blessing to us."

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com