SAD NEWS: CJ Stroud’s Mother Hospitalized Following Medical Emergency in Rancho Cucamonga
Rancho Cucamonga, CA – May 12, 2025 – In heartbreaking news that has shaken the NFL community and fans nationwide, the family of CJ Stroud, quarterback for the Houston Texans, announced just 30 minutes ago that his mother, Kimberly Stroud, has been hospitalized following a sudden and serious medical emergency in Rancho Cucamonga, California—the family’s hometown.
The Stroud family issued a public statement via CJ’s official social media accounts, asking for prayers, privacy, and support during this deeply emotional time. While specific medical details have not yet been disclosed, the family described the situation as “urgent and critical.”
A Sudden Turn of Events
According to sources close to the family, emergency responders were called to the Stroud residence earlier this morning after Kimberly reportedly collapsed unexpectedly. She was immediately transported by ambulance to San Antonio Regional Hospital, where she remains in intensive care under close observation.
“She’s a fighter,” the family’s statement read. “We are leaning on faith and asking everyone who knows CJ or has followed his journey to lift up our mother in prayer. Right now, we’re taking things hour by hour.”
CJ Stroud’s Unbreakable Bond with His Mother
CJ Stroud has long spoken publicly about his mother’s profound influence on his life. Raised in Rancho Cucamonga, Stroud and his family endured financial struggles during his childhood. Through it all, Kimberly Stroud, a single mother, became his anchor and inspiration.
“She’s the reason I’m here today,” CJ once said in a 2023 interview with ESPN. “She sacrificed everything for me. My drive, my discipline, my heart—it all comes from her.”
Stroud’s emotional tributes to his mother have often made headlines. After being selected by the Houston Texans as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, he gave her a tearful shoutout on live television, calling her his “biggest hero.”
NFL Community Reacts
The news of Kimberly Stroud’s hospitalization has sparked an outpouring of support from fellow NFL players, coaches, and fans. Teammates from the Houston Texans, including wide receiver Nico Collins and head coach DeMeco Ryans, expressed their support in press statements and social media posts.
“CJ is not just our quarterback—he’s our brother,” Ryans said. “Our hearts are with him and his family. We’re praying for healing and strength for his mom.”
Texans owner Cal McNair also issued a brief message of support: “CJ and his family are part of our family. We stand behind him fully in this difficult time.”
A Pause in Training, Focus on Family
CJ Stroud, who was in Houston for voluntary offseason workouts, is reported to have flown immediately to California upon hearing the news. The Texans have granted him indefinite leave from team activities so that he can be with his family.
“Football comes second right now,” said a team spokesperson. “CJ’s where he needs to be—with his mother.”
While the Texans have not announced how long Stroud will be away from the team, they emphasized that his role and status as the team’s franchise quarterback are unaffected.
Fans Show Their Love
On social media, the hashtag #PrayForMamaStroud began trending within minutes of the family’s announcement. Fans from across the country flooded CJ’s Instagram and Twitter with messages of love, support, and prayer.
Many shared stories of how CJ’s character and perseverance inspired them and noted how his close relationship with his mother resonated deeply.
“Watching CJ thank his mom on draft night gave me chills,” one fan tweeted. “Now it’s our turn to support them.”
A Family Built on Faith
CJ and his family have never shied away from expressing their deep Christian faith, and in their official statement, the Strouds reiterated their trust in God during this crisis.
“We believe in miracles. We believe in healing. And we know God is with us right now,” the family wrote.
The coming hours and days will be critical, but the Strouds remain hopeful and surrounded by love—from their community, their church, and a growing base of supporters across the nation.