HOUSTON – When Texans team chaplain Mikado Hinson invited Vaughaligan Walwyn to speak to the football team last season, a connection was formed between the Space City Church pastor and star quarterback C.J. Stroud.
The words from Walwyn, a Houston native and former long jumper at Rice University known as Pastor Von Won, deeply resonated with Stroud. The former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year attended a chapel service led by Walwyn the night before a 24-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. And Stroud credited the pastor’s words in helping him remain poised as he delivered the game-winning touchdown pass in the final minute of the fourth quarter.
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“He was talking about, ‘You gotta get through the mud before you can get to the miracle,’” Stroud said. “That resonated with me. Not only in ball, but just in life. It’s not always perfect, but you know the mud makes you who you are. The mud we have is self-inflicted mud. I feel like that kind of motivates us in a sense. It motivates me.”
Deeply spiritual and open about discussing his faith, Stroud often cites Biblical verses in interviews. That includes Proverbs 3:5-6: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight."
Walwyn was overjoyed to learn this week that his email to the C.J. Stroud Foundation was answered and would help the church. Stroud is providing financial resources for seven youth -- the same number as his No. 7 jersey -- to attend a church camp in Waxachachie this week.
“It means the world,” Walwyn told KPRC 2. “For C.J. and his foundation to pay those fees and help us in any capacity, it’s a blessing. It can be a big pressure sometimes and the last thing we want is a parent stressing out. Church camp impacted my life in a huge way.
“Ultimately, it’s a blessing to see the C.J. Stroud Foundation help us. We seek God to work through them and give us the fuel we need for ministry. It’s incredible for people looking at Space City Church for us to be recognized by C.J. and the Texans and to be affiliated with them.”
Walwyn called Stroud a ‘powerful ambassador of Christian faith and values, noting: ‘We’re always looking for a champion. It’s rare that you have an athlete on fire talking about Jesus."
The children posted a video on social saying in unison: ‘Thank you C.J. Stroud Foundation!"
“We wanted to send C.J. and his mom, Kimberly, a big thank you,” Walwyn said. “For them to acknowledge us, we thank them a million times. Hopefully, this gives them some gratitude.”
A musician who has collaborated with Paul Wall and Scar Face on an album “Grace Still Abides,” Walwyn was invited to preach to the team by Hinson.
During his sermon, Walwyn related difficult times he faced in the past that included being tased by police two decades ago and how his father died from AIDs.
On social media after his sermon, Hinson wrote to Walwyn: “My brother, thank you for pouring the Truth into our guys.”
To be at NRG Stadium and speak to the team and meet the coaching staff was a significant moment for Walwyn.
“It was very humbling,” Walwyn said. “Just me being a sports guy growing up, to see DeMeco Ryans, it meant so much. C.J. sat close to the front of the room with pen and paper out taking notes. It was great to see. When I was done, they gave me high-fives and told me I did a great job.
“I was just hoping they got the win the next day. Mikado said C.J. just gave you a shoutout. For me as a pastor in the city, I appreciate the recognition. There is no better co-sign as a Christian and most men honor football, especially in Texas, than to hear that from the star quarterback.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com
