Every player has other players that inspire them and shape the way they play the game, and future first-round pick C.J. Stroud is no different. But unfortunately for him, two of the players he listed as inspirations during his NFL Combine press conference are quite a bit controversial.
During his press conference on Friday morning, Stroud listed Michael Vick, Deshaun Watson, and Joe Burrow as players he models his game after.
“Even one the reason why I wore No. 7 was because of Michael Vick. He inspired me not only to be athletic and use my athleticism but as a black quarterback to stay in the pocket and throw the ball – that’s something he was really underrated in,” Stroud said.
“I look up to Deshaun Watson and someone I feel I have a similar playing style to,” Stroud continued.
CJ Stroud on NFL players he compares himself to
Michael Vick in the pocket, Deshaun Watson, and Joe Burrow. #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/9wARfJcXZa
— Luke Sawhook 🪚🪝 (@lukesawhook) March 3, 2023
Obviously, those are two controversial figures in the NFL. Michael Vick spent 21 months in federal prison from 2007 to 2008 for his involvement in a dog fighting ring. Meanwhile, Deshaun Watson was suspended for most of the 2022 NFL season after he faced several sexual assault allegations by 25 different women.
As a result, the NFL world absolutely blasted Stroud for listing both of those players as inspirational players.
C.J. Stroud's agent right now https://t.co/5r1xaUV2S6 pic.twitter.com/XSJaxCsqw2
— Matt Swartz (@MattSwartz723) March 3, 2023
Did CJ Stroud have a PR coach at Ohio State? https://t.co/vkK8Exf6SB
— Patrick Barron 🐻🌹🏆 (@BlueBarronPhoto) March 3, 2023
“Also Thanos. Big Thanos fan.” https://t.co/3UevXAxocb
— Bryan Mac (@Bry_Mac) March 3, 2023
ok yeah I’m good with the Texans trading whatever it takes to go up to one & guarantee they get Bryce Young https://t.co/nGQb7UfJBV
— Justin Carter (@juscarts) March 3, 2023
Two of the best role models you could choose. https://t.co/AKExDEGX0o
— Korked Bats (@korkedbats) March 3, 2023
It’s worth noting that in context, Stroud was simply referring to their style of play and wasn’t necessarily condoning their off-the-field actions. But still, that’s not going to stop the criticism.
