CJ Stroud reveals Ohio State fans would send Venmo payments, tell him to play better

Ohio State fans can be relentless, no matter the situation. Not many fan bases ride or die with their team quite like those in Columbus. Just ask former quarterback CJ Stroud, who had interesting interactions with the Buckeye faithful during the 2022 season.

Social media can be a distraction during the season for some and that’s exactly why Stroud deletes multiple apps in the fall. He is looking to stay locked into the team and the move paid off. Ohio State made its way to the College Football Playoff and was a kick away from potentially playing in the national championship.

There were still some struggles along the way. While you would think Ohio State fans have no avenue to communicate frustration directly to Stroud, you would be wrong. They were able to find a way, doing so in bizarre fashion.

“We all humans and (some) people tell you they don’t care, they’re blacking it out,” Stroud said via the Jim Rome Show. “For me and my teammates, being at Ohio State, if you have social media or any type of technology, Ohio State fans have it.

“I don’t have social media during the season — I was getting DMs on Venmo, the money app through fans telling me to play better. It comes with the territory. It was insane but at the end of the day, it comes with territory. I learned so much from it.”

Creative would be one way to describe the actions of those who sent a Venmo. At the very least, Stroud was able to accumulate some cash while receiving messages. That’s better than reading something sent to you via Instagram or Twitter.

Another positive can be Stroud using the experience as a learning experience. Moving on to the NFL, Stroud will have even more attention on him. Learning to deal with the pressure can be a valuable trait to have.

Dallas Cowboys ‘intrigued’ by CJ Stroud in NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly intrigued by Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud in the 2023 NFL Draft, according to SI’s Mike Fisher. Stroud is considered one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s draft class, along with Alabama’s Bryce Young and Kentucky’s Will Levis. It’s a matter of when, not if, Stroud goes in the first round.

But the Cowboys hold the No. 26 overall pick, well after Stroud is expected to last. Plus, there’s the Dak Prescott situation.

“I don’t know the ‘how,”’ the source said, via Fisher. “But (Dallas is) absolutely intrigued by Stroud.”