Amber Rose, who we say respectfully is sort of “famous for being famous,” jumped into NFL-related headlines at the end of the week because of a connection of a sort with C.J. Stroud, the Houston Texans standout rookie quarterback. As the world now knows, the two of them participated in Houston-native rapper Travis Scott’s celebrity softball game Thursday night at Minute Maid Park as part of the 2024 Cactus Jack Foundation HBCU event. Stroud, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, took home the game’s Most Valuable Player trophy. And then he took home Amber Rose, as cameras watched, leading to natural speculation that the two might be a couple of some sort.

“Natural”? Yes, even though Stroud has frequently professed his faith-based values and even though Ms. Rose, at 40, is almost twice the age of the 22-year-old C.J. But “natural” because … well, this is how it sometimes works when celebs meet, right? Oh, and “natural” because Amber Rose, in her career as a model and a performer has made no secret of her dating habits, which over the years have featured relationships with musical artists Wiz Khalifa, Kanye West, Machine Gun Kelly, 21 Savage, NBA players Terrence Ross and Monte Morris and others. But media outlets have pointed out that Stroud and Rose were never spotted “canoodling” (that’s gossip-mag talk). And indeed, while many people assumed that Amber Rose might be in a new relationship, she has now gone on social media to shut down the rumors down.

“We literally don’t know each other and only met yesterday at a softball game,” she wrote. “The sprinter left me and (Stroud) was nice enough to give me a ride to my hotel. [Thanks] again.”

Stroud, Rose and Scott were just three of the big stars who played in the game, as they were joined by the likes of Warren Moon, Andre Johnson, Reggie Jackson, DeAndre Hopkins, Johnny Manziel, Scarface, Adrian Peterson, Justin Jefferson, Stefon Diggs, Jose Canseco and Carl Lewis. Here’s hoping they all made it home safely.

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‘A Living Testimony!’ Texans’ C.J. Stroud Inspires with Offensive Rookie of the Year Speech

Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud took home the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, giving him the platform to inspire others with his speech.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud galvanized a city with the performance of his rookie year, taking his team to the playoffs and taking home the hardware to show for it.

On Thursday, Stroud won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, surrendering only two first-place votes to Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua.

Taking the stage after the award, Stroud took the time to inspire others.

“To whatever kid that’s watching, you could do anything you put your mind to,” Stroud said. “I’m a living testimony to perseverance and trusting your goals and your dreams.”

Before Stroud was a top quarterback in college football, the second pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and the presumed savior of the Texans franchise, he battled through significant adversity. His father was incarcerated while Stroud was in middle school, leaving his family in financial ruin along with the obvious ramifications of losing a parent to prison.

His past influenced his activism, giving him the platform to share his beliefs about injustices within the criminal justice system. After some of the biggest moments of his career, Stroud took the time not to relish in the moment but to speak to the causes he believes in.

Stroud also made sure to thank those around him in his speech, from the Texans organization to his college coaches, family members, and the support he received as a child in California.

“Everything that y’all taught me,” Stroud said. “It took a village to raise me, and I appreciate that.”

His perseverance has landed him at the NFL Honors ceremony after completing one of the best rookie campaigns in recent memory. Throwing for 4,108 yards, 23 scores, and just five interceptions, Stroud has cemented himself as the centerpiece of Houston’s future and one of the more revered quarterbacks in the game.