


Asked who his inspirations at quarterback were while at the podium during the NFL Scouting Combine, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud responded with a couple of answers that’ll surely grab some attention.
Stroud, who is a candidate to be the No. 1 pick in next month’s NFL Draft, first mentioned Michael Vick.
“(Michael Vick) 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,” said Stroud of the former No. 1 overall pick from 2001.
“That’s something he was very underrated in.”
Stroud also added that Vick is the reason he wears No. 7.
Vick spent time in prison after pleading guilty to running a dogfighting ring before returning to the NFL in 2009.
Shortly thereafter, Stroud mentioned DeShaun Watson.
“I look up to DeShaun Watson,” he said, “…as someone I feel like I have a similar playing style to.”
The timing is interesting on that one given the well-documented controversies surrounding Watson.
He was suspended for 11 games and fined $5 million last year after he was accused by more than two dozen women of sexual misconduct during massage sessions.
Stroud also mentioned Joe Burrow.
“Being able to create, not being the fastest guy but being able to extend plays,” he said, providing reason as to why Burrow makes the cut.