Before going pro, C.J. Stroud led Ohio State to a College Football Playoff appearance and a Rose Bowl win in his last two years as a college athlete. He had an incredible two years as the Buckeye’s full-time starting quarterback. He had 85 touchdown passes, 8,123 passing yards, and 12 interceptions. Stroud decided to enter the NFL Draft and is projected to be one of the top picks.

Although he’s one of the nation’s best young quarterbacks, Stroud has managed to keep himself grounded with the chaos of being an NFL prospect. In an interview with Fox News Digital, he said prioritizing his faith helped him do that. He said, “It’s what’s kept me grounded even through my season. Football has a lot of ups and downs, it has a lot of twists and turns, but at the end of the day, it’s all about your foundation.

Stroud continued, “And something that’s set my foundation is my faith. It’s something I’m not perfect in, but I try to work every day to be better, and I definitely think that’s what saved me. If it helps encouraging anybody to help them in their lives, whatever they’re going through, then I’m all for it.”

Stroud was one of the best players who traversed uncharted territory due to the prevalence of image, name, and likeness in the NCAA. The quarterback had NIL deals with Designer Shoe Warehouse and Value City Furniture, among others, according to On3 Sports. He advised those going through the same thing once they reach the next level of their athletic careers.

“I would just say, be yourself,” Stroud said. “Go through the process, and just be unapologetically so. Really try to work as hard as you can, and rely on your parents, get good grades. And work as hard as you can and be the best player and the best person you can off the field.”

Ahead of his professional turn, Stroud partnered with Autotrader and hopes to make his family members’ dreams come true with a new car. “There’s been a transition from college to the NFL, becoming a college kid to a rookie,” Stroud explained to Fox News Digital. “I’m blessed to be in a position where I am to try to get my mom or sister a car and just help them out.” Stroud said he’d like to get his mom a Range Rover, but “I think she’ll be good with whatever – whatever has four wheels and rolls.”

Stroud will now take on a new challenge in the NFL, but it’s clear that he’ll rely on his faith at the next level, just as he did throughout his college career. C.J. Stroud isn’t the only college athlete who’s been vocal about sharing his faith, and he won’t be the last. Stroud will encounter new experiences and dilemmas as he transitions to the NFL, so he’ll need his faith to lead him down the right path. If Stroud keeps his faith as his top priority, he’ll continue to go far.