The Houston Texans have a new face of the franchise, and his name is C.J. Stroud. Selected as the No. 2 overall pick, Stroud has not only settled into the role of starting quarterback but has also taken the team to new heights in just his rookie year.
Rising Star in Houston
Stroud made an indelible mark during his first season, leading the Texans to an AFC South title and securing a playoff victory, becoming the youngest quarterback in NFL history to achieve this feat. His impressive stats are undeniable; he set franchise records in passing yards, touchdowns, completions, and attempts. It is no wonder that Stroud was honored with the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
As Stroud enters his second training camp, his confidence is palpable. "Definitely a little more confident just knowing how training camp works, the reps I'll take," he said. This sentiment reflects his growing comfort and understanding of the game at the professional level. "Going with the ones. Last year, I really didn't know that until the very beginning of the regular season."
Leadership and Expectations
The offseason has brought significant changes and additions to the Texans’ roster, further fueling hopes for a successful future. Wideout Stefon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon have joined the squad, providing Stroud with even more weapons to utilize. As a result, the Texans are now considered favorites to clinch the AFC South title once again.
Stroud recognizes the heightened expectations and the responsibility on his shoulders. "There's a ton of things. Owning the offense more, the operation. Putting more on my plate with run checks and protection checks, things like that," he explained. This offseason has been about much more than just physical preparation; it's been about mastering the strategic elements of the game.
Moreover, Stroud’s focus extends beyond just personal development. "Right now it's just trying to not only build the camaraderie but also be a leader with the first team so the second and third and everybody who's watching that this is the standard. It's up to me to set that standard and I have to do that every day." His words reflect a maturity that belies his young age, emphasizing his commitment to being a guiding force for his teammates.
Keeping Grounded Amid High Goals
Despite the growing buzz around the team’s potential, Stroud remains grounded. "The message is just keep the main thing, the main thing. Of course, we have not only a lot of expectations, we have a lot of big goals on this team. That's how it should be." For Stroud, it is all about staying focused and working towards the team's objectives one step at a time.
He further elaborated on his mindset, "You know, the person that always doubts himself will probably never make it, so you have to have confidence and a goal and a plan and execute that plan." Stroud’s philosophy speaks volumes about his approach to not just the game, but life in general. The emphasis is on confidence, planning, and execution—a trifecta that has evidently served him well.
As training camp progresses, Stroud keeps his focus squarely on the present. "Really you need to be where your feet are. We're in training camp right now. We've got to just execute that and making sure we're taking every day to get better." This pragmatic approach ensures that neither he nor the team gets ahead of themselves.
Aiming for the Ultimate Prize
With the addition of key players and the rising confidence of their star quarterback, the Texans have set their sights on the grandest stage of all—an appearance in Super Bowl LIX. "You win, you move on, so that's the goal from start to finish," Stroud remarked. This simple yet powerful mantra encapsulates the team’s ambition and drive.
As Stroud embarks on his sophomore year, there is an air of optimism around the Houston Texans. The franchise, backed by Stroud’s growing prowess and leadership, looks poised to make significant strides. Whether they reach their ultimate goal remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: with C.J. Stroud at the helm, the Texans are a team to watch.