C.J. Stroud completed a phenomenal NFL rookie season on Saturday. He celebrated his professional success by giving back to his alma mater.
The Foundation, an NIL collective launched by Cardale Jones and Brian Schottenstein, announced Monday that Stroud is the first former Ohio State student-athlete to become a “platinum donor.” That means he contributed between $50,000 and $100,000.
“Proud that CJ Stroud is our first former student-athlete partner to become a major donor and ‘pay it forward’ as he paves the way for those to come next,” the collective wrote. “Thanks so much for your support of THE Foundation, CJ. You are truly a Buckeye for life!”
ANNOUNCEMENT🚨Proud that CJ Stroud is our first former student athlete partner to become a major donor and “pay it forward” as he paves the way for those to come next. Thanks so much for your support of THE Foundation CJ. You are truly a Buckeye for life! https://t.co/htkLB83pbF pic.twitter.com/5LQF12LjMx
— THE Foundation (@TheFoundation1_) January 22, 2024
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Stroud threw 85 touchdown passes in two seasons as Ohio State’s starting quarterback. He finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist each time before Houston made him the No. 2 pick last April.
The Texans may have found the best signal-caller in the young franchise’s history. Stroud promptly led them to an AFC South title by tallying 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, five interceptions, and a 100.8 quarterback rating before throwing three more scores in a 45-14 first-round playoff win over the Cleveland Browns.
As part of his donation, Stroud can receive footballs autographed by Jones and J.T. Barrett. Perhaps Ohio State should instead be paying Stroud to sign some memorabilia for other prospective boosters.
The 22-year-old can also receive a meet-and-greet with a current or former Ohio State student-athlete. And he gets to take a photo with his former head coach, Ryan Day.
Kyle McCord replaced Stroud last season, but the quarterback transferred to Syracuse this offseason. The Buckeyes landed Will Howard as a possible 2024 starter before poaching five-star commit Julian Sayin from Alabama on Sunday.