'Our purpose is bigger than just football': CJ Stroud responds to NBC Sports editing out his religious remarks

NFL quarterback C.J. Stroud has responded to questions surrounding NBC Sports editing his faith-based remarks following a playoff game victory. The sports network removed Stroud's comment praising God after a win against the Cleveland Browns and posted an edited version of the interview to its social media channels.

"First and foremost, I just want to give all glory and praise to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ," Stroud said in the interview. That sentence was later cut in subsequent posts to focus on remarks about fan support and the city of Houston, Texas.

Following his team's elimination from the playoffs, Stroud spoke to Fox News to address the controversy surrounding the edit.

"I just really wanted to show love and show people what I stand for. I pray for everybody. I don't really have any feeling towards it, I just pray for everyone," the quarterback said.

Stroud generally took the high road when answering questions and declined to point any fingers or address the issue head-on. The 22-year-old instead opted to signal to a higher purpose that was bigger than football.

"I feel like of course football is amazing, but one day this sport will be done, this is our passion, and our purpose is bigger than just football," he continued. "It's cool to see people use their platform to show their purpose and the Lord. I think we have a really good community of a lot of believers in the league, really around the sports world."

"The more we can do with our platform, the better we can make this world, and hopefully ... help people if they want the help to find Christ and really understand that God loves you no matter what," Stroud added.

Stroud is in the running for Offensive Rookie of the Year in the NFL and was recently named an All-Star and will play in the Pro Bowl.

The young star also received awards for both the city of Houston's Athlete of the Year and Newcomer of the Year at the Houston Sports Awards.

He became the fifth rookie quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 4,000 yards and was also the youngest quarterback to win a playoff game. His playoff victory marked the first time a rookie had won in the postseason since 2009.

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