CJ Stroud boldly compares his game to Michael Vick, Deshaun Watson

At the NFL Combine Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud made an interesting comparison for himself. He liked his game to Michael Vick and Deshaun Watson.

As Stroud explained, Vick is actually why he wears the number seven and he thinks that he has a very similar playing style to Watson.

“Even one of the reasons I wore number seven was because of Michael Vick,” CJ Stroud said. “So, he inspired me not only just to be athletic and use my athleticism, but as a black quarterback to stay in the pocket and throw the ball and that’s something he was very underrated in.”

CJ Stroud on NFL players he compares himself to

Michael Vick in the pocket, Deshaun Watson, and Joe Burrow. #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/9wARfJcXZa

— Luke Sawhook 🪚🪝 (@lukesawhook) March 3, 2023

“And then I look up to Deshaun Watson a lot as somebody I feel like I have a similar playing style to.”

What’s interesting is that CJ Stroud compared himself and even pointedly says that he looks up to two players who have run into major legal trouble. Michael Vick was convicted of dog fighting while Deshaun Watson reached a settlement in all but four of the 24 civil lawsuits against him for sexual misconduct. His then team, the Houston Texans, also settled with 30 women.

CJ Stroud went on to also compare himself to Joe Burrow.

“And then Joe Burrow. Being able to create. Not being the fastest guy on the field but being able to extend plays, throw guys off of you, just be tough, and that’s something I feel like I do in this game.”

CJ Stroud says he’s been the best player in college

CJ Stroud doesn’t lack confidence. He even said that he’s been the best player in college football for two years in a row. He said that despite two other quarterbacks winning the Heisman Trophy those seasons.

“I think I’ve been the best player in college football for two years in a row,” Stroud said.

“I think I’ve been the most consistent, and when it comes to off-the-field stuff, just being a leader. You can ask anybody in my locker room…would CJ put his head on the chopping block for y’all? And I’m pretty sure they would all say yes.”