[Music] The glass doors slide open and the Texas heat rushes in, carrying the sound of water falling over the edge of a sleek pool. CJ Strad isn’t throwing a party or showing off his new success. He’s sitting by the water, Bible open, calm, and focused. In this home filled with natural light and clean lines, every detail whispers his message. 

Success can be loud. Purpose doesn’t have to be. Today, we’re stepping inside the private world of one of the NFL’s brightest young stars. His home, his lifestyle, his wealth, and the faith that guides it all. But before the pool views and the quiet luxury came a much harder beginning. Collaridge Bernard Strad IV, better known as CJ Strad, was born on October 3rd, 2001 in Rancho Cukamonga, California. 

The youngest of four children, Straoud’s life began far from the glitz of NFL stadiums and endorsement deals. His mother, Kimberly, worked tirelessly to keep the family afloat after tragedy struck. In 2016, his father, Ceridge III, was sentenced to life in prison on multiple felony charges, including kidnapping and robbery. 

The family’s financial situation collapsed, forcing Straoud and his siblings to grow up fast. The pain of that period would later become the fuel that powered his rise, turning hardship into hunger and struggle into focus. At Rancho Cukamonga High School, Strad found his escape and identity on the football field. 

Under Friday night lights, the calm, laser focused kid with the big arm began making headlines. In his senior year, he threw for an incredible 3,878 yards and 47 touchdowns, ranking among the top high school quarterbacks in the nation. Scouts loved his poise, his vision, and most of all, his maturity. He wasn’t just throwing passes. 

He was commanding huddles like a pro. College recruiters from across the country came calling. But Straoud chose Ohio State University, where he joined one of the most competitive programs in college football. He red shirted his freshman year in 2020, learning the ropes under head coach Ryan Day. Then when 2021 arrived, so did his breakout. 

As a firsttime starter, Straoud posted 4,435 passing yards, 44 touchdowns, and led the Buckeyes to a 10-2 record, capping it off with a jaw-dropping performance in the Rose Bowl, where he threw for 573 yards and six touchdowns, both school and bowl records. His precision passing earned him six Big 10 Freshman of the Week honors, the Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year award, and a finalist nod for the Heisman Trophy. 

By 2022, Strad followed up with another stellar campaign, throwing 41 touchdowns and leading Ohio State back to the national spotlight. But his college career ended in heartbreak, a narrow 42 to 41 loss to Georgia in the Peach Bowl semi-final. Still, Straoud’s performance proved he was NFL ready. In early 2023, he officially declared for the NFL draft, leaving Ohio State as one of the most decorated quarterbacks in program history. 

When draft night arrived, the spotlight found him again. On April 27th, 2023, the Houston Texans selected Straoud second overall, making him the highest drafted quarterback in Ohio State history. The kid who once practiced on uneven fields in California was now the face of an NFL franchise, and he wasted no time making history. In his debut season, Straoud shattered expectations. 

In week two, he threw for 384 yards and two touchdowns against the Colts, the second most by any Texans rookie. By week nine, he broke the NFL rookie single game passing record with 470 yards and five touchdowns against Tampa Bay, earning AFC offensive player of the week. In December, he became only the fifth rookie in NFL history to surpass 4,000 passing yards, finishing the regular season with 4,18 yards and 23 touchdowns, both Texans rookie records. 

The fairy tale continued into the playoffs. In the wildcard round, Strad torched the Cleveland Browns with three touchdown passes, leading Houston to a 45-4 victory and becoming the youngest quarterback ever to win an NFL playoff game at just 22. Though the Texans run ended in the next round against Baltimore, one thing was clear. 

CJ Strad wasn’t just a rookie sensation. He was the new face of leadership, poise, and promise in the league. And now, far from the roaring crowds, Straoud has built a place that reflects who he’s become. Peaceful, grounded, and full of purpose. Texas home. Located just minutes from NRG Stadium, the 3,500 square ft modern home sits in a quiet pocket of Houston, tucked away from traffic and noise. 

From the outside, it looks minimalist and sleek. Clean lines, warm textures, and a subtle sophistication that signals this place wasn’t bought. It was thought out. The moment you walk through the front door, the first thing you notice is space. Ceilings soar upward and the entire front facade is essentially glass. Sliding glass walls that blur the line between indoors and outdoors. 

The natural light doesn’t just illuminate the room, it defines it. Morning sunlight stretches across the living area, reflecting off polished floors and soft earthtonone walls. It feels peaceful, like the house exhales every time those doors roll open. The layout is completely open. Living room, dining, and kitchen in one connected flow designed for gathering without feeling crowded. 

This isn’t a bachelor pad covered in neon lights and championship posters. Instead, it feels like a thoughtfully curated retreat. The furniture is simple and elegant, neutral sofas, a low coffee table, soft accent lighting, and no unnecessary clutter. The kitchen is where form meets function. A large center island sits like a sculpture in the middle of the room. 

White stone counters, built-in appliances, and matte cabinetry create a clean visual line. Everything is tucked away and seamless. Straoud’s style leans toward quiet luxury, not logo flashing. When he cooks or meal preps here, the space encourages focus. When he’s hosting teammates, the open layout lets conversation flow effortlessly. Step through the glass wall and suddenly you’re on vacation. 

The front pool deck stretches out like a private resort. warm wood decking, crisp pool lines, and lounge chairs where Texas sunlight drapes everything in soft gold. Whether he’s recovering after a game, hosting teammates for a cookout, or just unplugging with worship music, this deck is where Straoud recharges, it’s private, insulated, and designed for stillness. 

At night, the lighting around the pool reflects off the water and makes the entire outdoor space glow. Walk toward the back of the house and you find the rear deck, another outdoor lounge. This one facing a quiet expanse of landscape and subtle canyon-like views. Out here, Houston feels slower. Time stretches. The noise of fame fades. It’s a rare setup. 

Energy in front, serenity in back. The house offers both. Throughout the home, architectural details elevate every corner. wood beams, textured walls, soft neutral pallet, and clean lines that merge rustic warmth with modern design. High-end appliances whisper luxury without shouting it. Every decision looks intentional, like someone who cares more about purpose than excess. 

The house has three bedrooms, but the standout is the master suite. This is where Straoud finds his morning reset. The master bedroom has its own living nook, cozy reading chair, shelves with books and devotionals, and minimal decor that keeps the mind quiet. Sliding doors open directly onto the pool deck. Imagine waking up, opening the glass wall, and stepping straight into the sunlight with nothing between you and the morning breeze. 

The bathroom feels like a boutique spa. Oversized shower, stone finishes, warm lighting, and textures that make even brushing your teeth feel serene. Everything is curated, intentional. Nothing inside the home says young, rich athlete. Everything says man with focus. Every element of Straoud’s Houston residence tells the story of a man who’s learned to value peace without losing his drive. 

The light, the textures, and even the air in the home feel purposeful, designed not for show, but for stability. This is where he resets, recharges, and reflects before stepping back into the spotlight. And if the inside of the house is all about peace and purpose, wait until you see what’s sitting in the garage, because that’s where the horsepower lives. 

Car collection. First up, the Mercedes AMG G63. A machine that perfectly mirrors Straoud’s onfield swagger. With a price tag hovering around $200,000, the G Wagon is both brute and beauty. A 577 horsepower beast wrapped in handstitched leather and chrome. It’s the kind of SUV that announces itself before it’s even in view. 

The deep growl of its twin turbo V8 could wake a neighborhood. Straoud often rolls up to NRG Stadium behind the wheel of this one. Windows down, music up. A silent message that confidence doesn’t need to shout. It simply arrives. Then comes the Bentley Bentega. The refined counterpart to the AMG’s raw power. 

This SUV speaks luxury in a British accent. Elegant, composed, and unapologetically expensive. Inside, diamond quilted leather, walnut veneer, and subtle ambient lighting create an experience closer to a private jet than a car. With a top speed of 190 mph, it’s capable of serious performance. But Straoud treats it like his comfort zone for family dinners, charity events, or late night drives when he needs to clear his head. 

The Bentega’s quiet hum and flawless ride reflect the calm maturity behind his game day fire. And then there’s the Chevrolet Silverado. Straoud’s nod to his roots. Big, durable, and unmistakably American. It’s the truck he uses for real life, grocery runs, community events, and trips outside the city. There’s something grounding about it. 

No flash, just function. Under the hood, the Silverado’s V8 engine delivers close to 420 horsepower. But what Strad loves most is its toughness. It’s a vehicle built for the grind, just like him. Together, these cars form the axis of his identity, power, elegance, purpose. Because Straoud doesn’t choose cars based on price tags. 

Hezes them based on how they make him feel and how they match the life he’s building. And if this is what sits in his garage, wait until you see the numbers behind the life he drives, income and net worth. While he’s already one of the league’s brightest young quarterbacks, what’s equally impressive is how grounded he remains about his fortune. 

As of now, Straoud’s net worth sits at nearly $15 million, built from a smart blend of onfield earnings and off-field partnerships that reflect his maturity and brand power. Let’s start with the foundation, his NFL rookie contract. When Straoud signed with the Houston Texans in July 2023, he inked a fully guaranteed 4-year, 36. 

3 million deal, including a jaw-dropping $23.38 million signing bonus paid upfront. That check alone set him up for life before his first professional snap. Through structured payments of base salary, roster bonuses, and incentives, Straoud’s cumulative earnings by the end of 2025 are projected to reach roughly $30.6 million. 

His average annual take-home $9 million per year, not counting taxes, agent fees, or endorsements. But the real acceleration in his wealth has come from endorsements. a lane where Straoud’s clean image and calm charisma have opened doors beyond football. He’s a Jordan brand athlete, a partnership that could evolve into a signature shoe line if his popularity keeps climbing. 

In 2023, he appeared in a national Cheetos commercial, bringing his off-field charm to mainstream audiences. Add in lucrative collaborations with Lowe’s, Designer Shoe Warehouse, Cane Footwear, Lemon Perfect, and possibly Dr. Pepper, and Straoud’s annual endorsement income easily clears $2.9 million. Each sponsored post on his social media, where he’s followed by over 1. 

2 million fans, reportedly earns him around $8,000. Small change for him, but proof of his growing marketing pull. Before the NFL spotlight, Straoud already had a taste of the business side of sports through NIL deals at Ohio State. Back then, he partnered with Efuse Express, Sarion Auto Gallery, Value City Furniture, Teals, and the Foundation, OSU’s official collective. 

Those early ventures earned him between$1 to2 million, but more importantly, they gave him financial literacy before fame arrived. Straoud’s other revenue streams include appearance fees, training incentives, and minor bonuses, bringing in another half a million to a million dollars annually. 

But what sets him apart isn’t how much he makes. It’s how he manages it. But away from the bright lights of the NFL, there’s another side to him. The man who uses his success to lift others. For Strad, philanthropy isn’t a PR strategy. It’s personal redemption. He’s lived through struggle, so giving back feels like healing the younger version of himself. 

Philanthropy. At the heart of his efforts stands the CJ Strad Foundation, a nonprofit he launched as soon as his NFL checks started coming in. The mission is clear. To help single mothers, families hit by disaster, and children from unstable homes, communities he understands deeply. In 2024, when Hurricane Barrel devastated parts of Houston, Strad’s Foundation handed out 250 HB gift cards to affected families and teamed up with Lowe’s to fund emergency home repairs. 

The quarterback didn’t just sign checks. He showed up helping distribute supplies and talking with residents about rebuilding. Earlier, he collaborated with Lily’s Toy Box, a Houston-based charity that serves kids in crisis. Together, they hosted Christmas toy drives and back- to-school events, giving out bikes, helmets, school supplies, and Target gift cards, plus free haircuts for children who couldn’t afford them. 

Around Thanksgiving, his foundation provided turkeys, clothing, and $100 gift cards to 25 Houston families at HEB, turning a holiday meal into a moment of dignity and hope. Straoud’s giving isn’t confined to Texas. In 2024, he quietly donated to a California family of nine who lost their home in a fire. A gesture that echoed his own memories of financial hardship growing up. 

He even gave through GoFundMe, underlining that generosity doesn’t need a headline to make an impact. Back in Ohio, his connection to his alma mater remains strong. Straoud became the first former student athlete to contribute to the foundation, Ohio State’s NIL collective. And not just symbolically, his 50,000 to $100,000 platinum donor gift in 2024 supports NIL opportunities for current Buckeye athletes, ensuring they have financial security while pursuing their dreams. 

Faith continues to shape his outreach. In 2025, Straoud covered full expenses for underprivileged youth from Space City Church to attend a Christian summer camp in Wahhatchee, Texas, an experience designed to help kids grow in confidence and faith. I know what it’s like to feel overlooked, Straoud said. 

If I can help even one kid feel seen, that’s bigger than football. Even before he turned pro, his giving spirit showed up in creative ways like Subway’s Vault charity campaign in 2021, where he created a custom sandwich during rivalry week with proceeds going to community programs, or his Morris home furnishings partnership in Columbus, Ohio, 2022, where every mattress purchase helped provide beds for children in need. 

For CJ Strad, every dollar given and every hour spent helping others comes from gratitude, not guilt. His story is living proof that fame doesn’t have to change your heart. It can expand it. Inside Straoud’s personal world, family, faith, and how he keeps balance while living under the spotlight, personal life. 

For someone whose job puts him in front of millions of people every week, CJ Strad keeps his personal life remarkably private. As far as public information suggests, Straoud is single. His social media, especially Instagram, where most athletes soft launch their relationships, shows no sign of a girlfriend. 

Over time, fans have tried to connect dots that simply weren’t there. Early on, there was speculation he might be dating former Ohio State volleyball player Kenzie Milton or another college acquaintance, Jordan Gunter. But those whispers came from fan-made rumor pages, not credible sources. More reliable reporting has confirmed that nothing romantic existed, only friendships that got exaggerated by the internet. 

Then in 2024, the rumor mill went wild again when Straoud and Amber Rose appeared at the same celebrity event. A few blurry photos and a Tik Tok later and suddenly the internet decided they were a couple. In reality, they weren’t. They happened to be in the same VIP area. That’s it. No dates followed, no social media interaction, and both moved on with their lives. 

Instead of chasing the fast-paced Hollywood lifestyle many young athletes fall into, Straoud spends his downtime in quiet reflection, film study, or time with family. He frequently visits his mother, Kimberly, who he credits as the backbone of his success. Their bond is deep, forged through years of perseverance when she single-handedly raised him and his siblings. 

It’s a story of resilience that keeps him grounded even as fame and fortune continue to rise. From his quiet California beginnings to becoming one of the brightest stars in the NFL, Strad proves that staying true to yourself will always take you further than fame ever could. If you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on the notification bell because we have many more inspiring stories coming your way. 

Thank you for watching and for always being part of this incredible journey with us.