Devout Christian QB Delivers Super Bowl Surprise to Purple Heart Marine
In homage to his roots, an NFL sensation is sending a Purple Heart veteran and his son to enjoy the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has not been shy about expressing his faith…

In homage to his roots, an NFL sensation is sending a Purple Heart veteran and his son to enjoy the Super Bowl in Las Vegas.
Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has not been shy about expressing his faith in post-game interviews, announced on social media that he is sending United States Marine Corps Sgt. Craig Mazeska and his son on a trip to watch the Super Bowl Feb. 11 and meet NFL stars, including Stroud.
“Coming from a military family has helped shape me into the man I am today – seeing firsthand the sacrifice required. Thanks to @USAA & @AFA_Air_Space I’m sending @USMC vet SGT Craig Mazeska and his son to #SuperBowlLVIII in Las Vegas! #SaluteToService,” Stroud posted on social media platform X.
USAA, or United Services Automobile Association, is an insurance and banking enterprise for military members and their families. USAA is the NFL’s official Salute to Service partner. Stroud’s post also referenced the Air and Space Forces Association.
Mazeska served from 1988 to 1994, with deployments in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq, according to KPRC-TV.
During the Gulf War and Operation Desert Storm, Mazeska was responsible for breaching walls, tank traps, minefields and bunkers, according to KHOU-TV.
Along with a Purple Heart, he was awarded a Combat Action Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal and a Unit Citation, among other commendations.
Mazeska was a teacher and school counselor after leaving the military. The Baltimore Ravens


