Former Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud reveals great lengths fans took to criticize him: ‘It was insane’

Former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud says his critics have gone to all lengths to get their message across to him and that includes using one unusual app as their medium. 

During an appearance on “The Jim Rome Show” earlier this month, the two-time Heisman Trophy finalist revealed that because he does not use social media during the season, fans unhappy with his performance were sending him messages on Venmo. 

“For me and my teammates, man, being at Ohio State, if you have any source of social media or type of technology, Ohio State fans have it,” Stroud explained. 

EX-OHIO STATE STAR CJ STROUD REVEALS WHY HE KEEPS HIS FAITH FIRST, HOW HE’S LOOKING TO HELP MOM

“I was getting DMs – I don’t have social media throughout the season – I was getting DMs on Venmo, the money app, from fans telling me, ‘Play better,’ things like that.”

“It was insane, but at the end of the day, it comes with the territory.”

Stroud announced in January that he was declaring for the NFL Draft after finishing his junior year with 3,688 passing yards and 41 touchdown passes in 2022. 

Ohio State finished the season 11-2 but was eliminated from the College Football Playoff in a close game against Georgia in the semifinal. Georgia would eventually defeat TCU in the national championship.

Stroud, along with Alabama’s Bryce Young and Kentucky’s Will Levis, is expected to be among the top quarterbacks taken off the board first when the draft officially begins on April 27.

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.