Loved ones cheer on NFL quarterback and SoCal native CJ Stroud

As NFL quarterback CJ Stroud leads the Houston Texans to the playoffs on Saturday, friends and family of the Southern California native are cheering on the hometown hero. The Texans will face off against the Cleveland Browns, marking the first time in four years the Texans have made it to the playoffs. The 22-year-old rookie quarterback will be cheered on by his loved ones back home in the Inland Empire. “It’s mind blowing,” said Bill Burke, CJ’s former varsity high school basketball coach. “We are so proud of the person that he’s become.” CJ attended Rancho Cucamonga High School, where he graduated in 2020. “He loves the I.E.,” said Kimberly Stroud, CJ’s mother. “These are his stomping grounds and he still loves the people here.” A banner honoring CJ is displayed at the high school where he excelled on the football field for four years before attending Ohio State University. KTLA's Shelby Nelson reports on Jan. 12, 2024.