A fresh face is making waves in both the NFL and the basketball court. CJ Stroud, the talented rookie quarterback for the Houston Texans and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, is now setting his sights on dethroning comedy icon Kevin Hart as the MVP of the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.
Strouds has created a buzz among fans lately due to rumors of his connection with basketball star Jaime Jaquez Jr. from UCLA, who is now making waves with the Miami Heat. After an impressive freshman year, Stroud showed off his basketball skills at the 2024 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, scoring an impressive 31 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. He now has his sights set on winning Kevin Hart’s sought-after Celebrity MVP title. In a bold move, Stroud declared on the “Cold As Balls” podcast that he is coming for Hart’s MVP title in the upcoming game.
The NBA All-Star Celebrity Game has been a favorite event for over twenty years, drawing in a lineup of well-known basketball players. Adding to the excitement of the event is the coaching duel between ESPN personalities Stephen A. Smith and NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe. These two sports media giants will be leading their teams, with assistance from figures like Peyton Manning, 50 Cent, and Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson serving as assistant coaches.
Expect an abundance of friendly teasing and energy on the basketball court when celebrities come together to play. Kevin Hart stands out as the shining star of the games, with four MVP titles under his belt, earning him the title of the ‘LeBron’ of the event.
Hart’s rule as the Celebrity Game champion is legendary, capturing the hearts of fans with his mix of humor and basketball skills. Many wonder if anyone will ever be able to overthrow him, but here comes Stroud, a determined newcomer looking to prove himself.
While Stroud is now making a name for himself in the NFL, his basketball journey began on the courts of his high school and eventually led him to celebrity matchups. In a recent interview on Micah Parsons’ podcast, “The Edge,” the young quarterback shared an interesting anecdote from his past where he outshined a future NBA star during a high school game.
Attending Rancho Cucamonga High School in California, Stroud recounted how he scored an impressive 40 points against Jaime Jaquez Jr., now a player for the Miami Heat and formerly of UCLA. With unwavering confidence, Stroud proudly declared, “You know who the star player on the Miami Heat is right now, other than Jimmy Butler? Jaime Jaquez. Played at UCLA. That game I scored 40 points was on him… Stop playin’ with me bro.”
This discovery adds a captivating dimension to Stroud’s athletic background, demonstrating his adaptability and skill in various sports. Even though he decided to pursue a career in football, his passion for basketball has always been evident. This was evident in his outstanding performance at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.
“My friends started to outgrow me in height, reaching 6’10 while I stayed around 6’2 to 6’3. They began blocking my shots, which I didn’t appreciate, so I made the switch to football,” Stroud explained to Hart, revealing how his height influenced his decision to focus on football.
As Stroud gears up to compete against the top celebrities in the world of basketball, his versatile athletic skills showcased during his high school days become a true testament to his talent. A thrilling faceoff between the emerging NFL star and the current comedy king is on the horizon, with Stroud aiming to add the prestigious Celebrity MVP trophy to his list of achievements.
