Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, an outspoken Christian, began his first post-game press conference of the new season by praising Jesus. After a 29-27 road win against divisional opponent Indianapolis on Sunday (Sept. 8), the 22-year-old said, “First and foremost I want to give all glory and praise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The second-year player added he’s “just very grateful for another season to be in the NFL,” calling it a “long dream of mine.”
Stroud, last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, said his team needs to make some improvements. But he noted that “everybody’s rusty” in week one, and he’s excited because “this offense is just getting started.”
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Because Houston made it to the playoffs last season, expectations are high for the Texans this year. But Stroud, the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, told reporters he welcomes the pressure while trying not to succumb to it.
C.J. Stroud Finds ‘The Good’ in High Expectations
After Sunday’s game, C.J. Stroud praised his teammates and coaches. The Texans try to call plays so everybody has opportunities, he said, while crediting teammates for making him “look good.” Stroud also praised the team leaders who help “set a standard” that others want to follow.
The QB expressed love for the entire Houston organization, saying, “As you can see, we’re very close and we love each other.”
Stroud has previously described pressure as a privilege. “I know it’s week one,” a reporter asked, “but have you felt a difference this year compared to last year? Not just being a second-year player versus a rookie, but the spotlight on this team has to feel different.”
Stroud replied, “That’s a privilege for everybody to have those expectations for us, because they’re there for a reason.” Without pressure, he said, “There’s no real reward.”
“You want to kind of have your back against the wall, and we have that big red target on our back,” Stroud added. “That’s something we didn’t have last year, something I’m kind of used to being from Ohio State.” The Texans “love that pressure, we want that pressure, and we want to answer that bell every time we get a chance,” he added.
‘I Can Only Control My Play,’ Said Texans QB
Another reporter asked Stroud how he avoids the trap of pressure in such a high-profile role. The QB agreed it’s a trap, saying, “So why fall?”
“Why look at things that I can’t control?” Stroud said. “Why worry about things that I can’t control? I can only control my play and my effort and my execution.”
