Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud fought back tears as John Sperring, a 12-year-old Make-A-Wish recipient, told him his story. Sperring was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), meaning the left side of his heart was significantly underdeveloped and does not pump blood to the rest of the body. Sperring had to undergo open heart surgery almost immediately after being born. Sperring has had three surgeries and may need to have a heart transplant. When asked how he has gotten through his hardships, Sperring replied, “Just praying to God that he would heal me quick and I could get back.”
Despite being from Dallas, he became a Houston Texans fan as he could see the team’s stadium from his hospital room in Houston. Stroud became his favorite player, whom Sperring described as a “very humble player” who “always puts God first in his interviews.” Sperring’s wish was to meet Stroud, who surprised Sperring after what he thought was a commercial for making his wish. Stroud gave Sperring a VIP tour of the Texans’ NRG Stadium. The tour included his own locker, signing a 1-day contract with the team, and meeting various players and head coach DeMeco Ryans.
While Stroud and Sperring were going around in a golf cart, Sperring informed Stroud, “you’re a great Christian.” Moved, Stroud thanked the young boy and said he is “trying.” “My dad was a pastor, so he taught me a lot,” he said. Stroud has been known for proclaiming his faith on and off the field. In an interview with Sport Spectrum, he spoke about how being a Christian impacts his life. “People will assume that since I proclaimed Christ that I’m perfect. I am far from it, and we all are. We all are striving to be more Christlike,” he said. “I’m flawed just like everybody else, but I do believe in the perfect One. And He’s the One who keeps me humble. He’s the One who gave me my talents and He will get the glory for it right back.”
Stroud ended the day with presenting Sperry with a signed jersey, complete with Bible verses. “To John! Go Texans!! Praying for you Buddy!” he had written on it, along with references for Psalms 34:15-18, Philippians 4:6-7, and Jeremiah 29:11. After an embrace, Stroud told Sperring how he had inspired him. “You’re gonna make me cry, bro. You already had me tearing up earlier,” he said. “12 years old, you love Jesus, I love that, man. Keep that child-like faith. You make me want to play harder.”