CJ Stroud caused quite a stir during the press conference held during the NFL Combine. This Friday (3), the former Ohio State quarterback cited Michael Vick and Deshaun Watson among career “inspirations”.
Asked about players who served as role models for the style of play, Stroud listed Vick, Watson and Joe Burrow, explaining the choices.
“Michael Vick is one of the reasons I wear the number 7. He inspired me not only to be an athletic player and use my athleticism, but also, as a black quarterback, to stay in the pocket and pass the ball. He was very underrated in that.”
“I also admire Deshaun Watson. I feel like I have the same style of play. And Joe Burrow, who can create and extend plays even though he’s not the fastest player on the field. I feel like I know how to do this.”
Michael Vick and Deshaun Watson have been involved in legal matters off the field. Vick was jailed for one year and nine months between 2007 and 2008 for involvement in dog fighting. Watson, on the other hand, faced 26 sexual harassment lawsuits between 2020 and 2022. The Cleveland Browns quarterback served an 11-game suspension last season.
Stroud is one of the top players in the 2023 Draft. The quarterback played in 25 games for Ohio State, completing 69.3% of passes, throwing for 8,123 yards, 85 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, college football’s MVP award, in 2021 and 2022, finishing fourth and third respectively.
(Photo: Reproduction Twitter / Around The NFL)
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