C.J. Stroud idolized Michael Vick and Deshaun Watson and reveals he doesn’t want to play for Chicago

Future NFL quarterback C.J. Stroud revealed he idolized both Michael Vick and Deshaun Watson on his come-up to stardom. 

While at the podium at the NFL combine Friday, Stroud explained he thought highly of the two black quarterbacks in his early years. 

‘One of the reasons I wore No. 7 was because of Michael Vick. So, he inspired me, not only just to be athletic, but as a black quarterback to stay in the pocket and throw the ball.

‘I looked up to Deshaun Watson a lot, as somebody I feel like I having a similar playing style to.’

Stroud also mentioned Cincinnati Bengals stud Joe Burrow as another who has a comparable skill set. 

C.J. Stroud reveals he looked up to Deshaun Watson and Michael Vick particularly in his youth

Michael Vick and Deshaun Watson have both been phenomenal talents notwithstanding various off-field issues which have, at times, plagued their respective NFL careers

‘And then Joe Burrow, being able to create – not being the fastest guy ever, [but] being able to extend plays, throw guys off you, just be tough. And that’s something I feel like I do in this game.’

Stroud also backed former Buckeye Justin Fields to succeed in Chicago – who hold the No. 1 overall pick – and dispelled any thought of a desire to land with the Bears franchise.

‘I don’t want to go there. That’s his team,’ Stroud said of Fields. 

‘He ain’t no damn running back. He’s a quarterback. He can sling that rock. I’m going to stand up for my brother every time, and he’s going to do great things in his career, and I’m excited to play with him [in the NFL].’

Stroud is expected to be one of the first players taken off the board come April 28 in Las Vegas. 

Though if you were to ask him, Stroud believes he is the foremost talent in the NFL Draft.

‘For me, if you put on my film, I think I’ve been the best player in college football two years in a row,’ Stroud said. ‘Honestly, I haven’t touched my potential yet.’ 

Justin Fields has been rumored to be a potential trade option as the Bears hold the No. 1 pick

The former Ohio State quarterback has little interest in heading to Chicago to replace Fields