Stroud's Meteoric Rise: A Textbook Rookie Year and Beyond
As the No. 2 overall pick, C.J. Stroud entered the NFL with substantial expectations. Fast forward to his second training camp, and Stroud has solidified his position as the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans, leading the franchise with a level of confidence befitting his rapid ascent. "Definitely a little more confident just knowing how training camp works, the reps I'll take," Stroud reflects on his growth and preparedness for the upcoming season.
Stroud's rookie year was nothing short of spectacular. Leading the Texans to an AFC South title and securing a playoff victory, he etched his name into the record books, setting franchise milestones in passing yards, touchdowns, completions, and attempts. His remarkable achievements culminated in being named the youngest quarterback in NFL history to win a playoff game, making his Offensive Rookie of the Year accolade well-deserved.
Reflecting on his rookie season, Stroud reveals the evolution of his role within the team. "Going with the ones. Last year, I really didn't know that until the very beginning of the regular season," he notes, emphasizing the significance of starting the season from the top. With a firm grasp of the team's offensive scheme, Stroud aims to elevate his game even further. "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 elaborates.
The Texans have bolstered their roster in the offseason with the addition of wideout Stefon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon, positioning themselves as serious contenders for another AFC South title. The anticipation within the franchise is palpable, with the team setting their sights on a Super Bowl LIX appearance. Stroud acknowledges the weight of these expectations but remains grounded and focused. "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," he asserts.
Stroud's leadership extends beyond the field, as he strives to be a guiding force for his teammates. His clear-eyed perspective on the significance of confidence and planning shines through. "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 advises. This mindset underscores the methodical approach he brings to every practice and game, constantly seeking improvement.
As the Texans gear up for the new season, Stroud's focus remains on the present. "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," he states unequivocally. His pragmatic approach is a testament to his maturity and understanding of the game. "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."
In a league where the margin for error is razor-thin, Stroud's commitment to excellence is unwavering. "You win, you move on, so that's the goal from start to finish," he declares, epitomizing the relentless pursuit of victory that has come to define his young career. With his eyes set on guiding the Texans to new heights, C.J. Stroud is a name to watch as he continues to script his extraordinary NFL journey.