Make-A-Wish Kid Meets C.J. Stroud, Inspired by His Faith and Texans Spirit

In a heartwarming story that tugs at the soul, 12-year-old John Sperring, a Make-A-Wish recipient from Dallas, got the chance of a lifetime to meet his hero, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. Born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a condition where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped, John has faced immense challenges, including emergency open-heart surgery. Yet, his spirit remains unbroken, fueled by faith and an unexpected view of NRG Stadium from his hospital window, which turned him into a die-hard Texans fan.

Featured on ESPN's "My Wish" series, John shared how prayer and his belief in God have been his strength through tough times. Among all the Texans players, it was Stroud who captured his admiration, not just for his skills on the field, but for his humility and outspoken faith. "He's a great Christian," John remarked, pointing to Stroud's habit of putting God first in interviews.

The meeting was nothing short of magical. John spent a day with Stroud during the Texans' media day, signed a symbolic one-day contract to join the team, caught practice sessions, and even broke down the team huddle. Stroud, visibly moved, gifted John a signed jersey inscribed with Bible verses like Psalms 34:15-18 and Jeremiah 29:11, along with a personal note: "To John! Go Texans!! Praying for you Buddy!" The emotional exchange saw Stroud fighting back tears, telling John, "You make me want to play harder."

Stroud's faith, a cornerstone of his life, shone through in this interaction. Reflecting on his own goals for 2025, he recently shared his desire to deepen his relationship with God, emphasizing prayer and community in Houston. For John, this wasn’t just a meeting—it was a moment of shared belief and inspiration, a reminder of the power of faith and football to unite and uplift.