John Sperring’s Heartwarming Wish: Meeting C.J. Stroud with Make-A-Wish
In a touching story that highlights the power of hope and dreams, 12-year-old John Sperring, a Make-A-Wish recipient, recently had his heartfelt wish come true—he met Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Living in Dallas, John became a devoted Texans fan after catching a glimpse of NRG Stadium from his hospital room. Born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), a serious condition where the left side of his heart is underdeveloped, John has faced numerous health challenges, including emergency open-heart surgery.
As part of ESPN’s inspiring "My Wish" series, John shared his journey, expressing his strength came from his faith. “I was praying to God that He would heal me quickly so I could get back to doing the things I love,” he said.
C.J. Stroud quickly became John’s favorite player. “He’s a very humble athlete who always puts God first in his interviews,” John noted.
On a special day filled with excitement, John spent time with Stroud and his teammates during media day. He even signed a one-day contract, officially becoming a member of the Houston Texans for the day. John participated in team activities, caught the energy of practice, and even had the honor of breaking down the team huddle.
When Stroud learned how John became a Texans fan, he was moved. “From my hospital, I could see NRG Stadium, and you’re a great Christian,” John explained. In a heartfelt gesture, Stroud gifted John a signed jersey, inscribed with Bible verses that resonated with him: Psalms 34:15-18, Philippians 4:6-7, and Jeremiah 29:11. The inscription read, “To John! Go Texans!! Praying for you, Buddy!”
The emotional connection deepened as the two shared a hug. Stroud couldn’t hold back his emotions, telling John, “You’re gonna make me cry, bro. You already had me tearing up earlier. At just 12 years old, you love Jesus, and I love that. Keep that child-like faith.” Stroud added, “You make me want to play harder.”
Stroud is known for his strong faith, often emphasizing the importance of his relationship with God. Reflecting on his goals for 2025, he mentioned, “Locking it back in with the Lord is crucial. I want to be more committed to my faith—fasting, praying, and being actively involved in a church here in Houston.”
This heartwarming encounter serves as a beautiful reminder of the impact of kindness and faith, showcasing how sports can unite and uplift even in the toughest of times.
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