Former Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud Makes 'Platinum' Contribution To THE Foundation NIL Fund
Former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud made headlines during his rookie season with the Houston Texans en route to a postseason berth.
He's also making waves at his alma mater in the world of name, image, and likeness.
Stroud reportedly pledged a significant amount of sums to THE Foundation and they announced he is an Official Founders Club Platinum Donor, meaning he contributed somewhere between $50,000 and $100,000. The former two-time Heisman finalist quarterback also became the first former student-athlete partner to become a major donor and follow the “pay it forward” mantra.
THE Foundation was created by former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones and Brian Schottenstein in hopes of bolstering the Buckeyes' playing field in the world of NIL.
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Drafted second overall last April, Stroud spent two seasons as Ohio State's starter, throwing for 8,123 yards and 85 touchdowns. He posted a 22-4 record overall and guided the Buckeyes to a College Football Playoff berth in 2022.
According to On3, Stroud's NIL deals were valued at $2.9 million prior to the draft. Since then, he's gone on to earn more funds and more fans with his electrifying play at NRG Stadium.
Stroud's persona paved the way for Houston's revival this past fall. The Texans won 11 games over three combined seasons from 2020-2022. Under Stroud, Houston won its first division title since 2019 and its first playoff game in four years.
The runaway favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, Stroud became the fifth rookie passer in league history to throw for 4,000-plus yards (4,108) in a season, joining Andrew Luck, Justin Herbert, Cam Newton and Jameis Winston. With his 45-14 victory over the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round, Stroud became the youngest passer (22) to win a playoff game, surpassing Atlanta's Michael Vick in 2002.
"That’s a good quarterback," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said following Saturday's 34-10 win. "C.J. Stroud deserves a lot of credit."
Stroud threw 23 touchdown passes against five interceptions during his first season and won AFC Offensive Player of the Week twice.