Category: C.J. Stroud

Watch: C.J. Stroud reacts to Florida WR Ricky Pearsall being drafted

C.J. Stroud was not happy Thursday night watching the San Francisco 49ers land one of his favorite receiver prospects in the NFL draft.

Every quarterback in today’s game requires a trustworthy receiver if they hope to have a budding NFL career. For the Houston Texans, C.J. Stroud has three pass-catchers who have his back. 

Four, if you include the recently acquired Stefon Diggs from Buffalo. 

While Stroud loves his playmakers at NRG Drive, it’s always about adding more talent. The former Ohio State star would have lost his mind if Houston secured the services of former Buckeyes teammate Marvin Harrison Jr. 

That was always a pipeline thought since Harrison was the consensus top receiver and the first non-quarterback selected fourth overall by the Cardinals Thursday night in the NFL draft.

But who was Stroud’s second-favorite target in the draft? Based on his reaction to the pick, new 49ers receiver and former Florida standout Ricky Pearsall took home the silver medal.

While hosting the NFL draft show alongside Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons on Bleacher Report, Stroud audibly groaned and covered his face when Pearsall came off the board with the No. 31 pick.

Much to his dismay, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year didn’t realize the speedster was even on San Francisco’s radar.

“We probably weren’t going to get a receiver, but shoutout to Pearsall, though,” Stroud said.

A transfer from Arizona State, Pearsall totaled 65 catches for 965 yards and four touchdowns in his final season at Florida. He also rushed for two touchdowns amid a 5-7 finish under second-year coach Billy Napier. 

Much like during his time in Gainsville, Stroud believes Pearsall could be a legitimate No. 1 vertical threat in Kyle Shanahan’s personnel. 

“In that offense, Kyle (Shannahan) is going to dial it up for him,” Stroud said. “That’s why I felt like he was going to fit in our system so well.” 

A projected Day 2 pick, Pearsall elevated his stock during the pre-draft process. He thrived at the Senior Bowl running routes as the top target, and carried that same pedigree over to last month’s scouting combine.

Pearsall posted a 4.41-second 40-time and recorded a 42-inch vertical jump. If that wasn’t enough, he finished off his workout with 17 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.

Houston, which owns two picks in the second round at No. 42 and No. 59, likely won’t target a receiver that early. Even if Pearsall came within reach, the Texans have dire needs definitely, including defensive tackle and cornerback. 

Stroud knew entering Thursday that adding a pass-catcher on Day 2 seemed far-fetch after Houston traded for Diggs earlier this month. Even with both Diggs and Nico Collins entering contract years, the Texans still have Tank Dell, John Metchie III and Dalton Schultz signed to multi-year contracts through 2025. 

Even if Stroud figured out that Pearsall wasn’t coming to NRG Stadium, a man could still dream, right? 

“I wanted him bad,” Stroud said. “Especially, before we didn’t know we were going to get Stef (Diggs). Pearsall was my guy. That’s the one I wanted.” 

The Texans might add a receiver at some point on Day 3, but it’s the one position where depth isn’t required. On top of the five mentioned targets, Houston also has Robert Woods, Noah Brown, Xavier Hutchinson and tight end Brevin Jordan back in the mix. 

New Texans WR Stefon Diggs gives high praise to QB C.J. Stroud

In his first public interview since being traded to the Houston Texans, Stefon Diggs gave high praise to Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud.

C.J. Stroud was sleeping back in Los Angeles when the Houston Texans traded for Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs.

He didn’t know until he was washing his face why everyone was sending him text messages asking if he was good. The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year is feeling better knowing his dynamic duo of receivers just became a tremendous trio. 

Diggs, one of the league’s top pass-catchers since 2018, feels the same way about coming to H-Town. He knew when he met Stroud back at the Pro Bowl in February that the gunslinger was built differently. 

“He’s a hell of a quarterback, he’s a hell of a leader. As you watched those guys throughout the season last year, you kind of started to see them build something really special,” Diggs said during the NFL draft broadcast on Bleacher Report Thursday evening. “(Stroud) as a quarterback, and as you see him lead his team, it was something that we all kind of got excited about. You kind of noticed it around the league. If you weren’t watching, you heard about it.“

Thursday marked the first public comments from the new Texans’ receiver since the trade earlier this month. Houston sent Buffalo a 2025 second-round pick acquired from the Minnesota Vikings, Diggs’ old team, for the All-Pro target and a sixth-round pick. 

Stroud, who became the fifth passer to throw for 4,000 yards as a rookie, had no idea back at the Pro Bowl that Diggs would later become his teammate. He said their first meeting went well, mostly being centered around Diggs’ kids and his nephew, Aaiden. 

After the Pro Bowl, Stroud and Diggs remained in contact. Here is where the six-time 1,000-yard playmaker saw a different version of the wunderkind found at NRG Stadium.

“In the offseason, the more conversations I had with him on a personal level, it was easy to fall in love with a quarterback like that,” said Diggs. 

Houston’s offense ranked seventh in passing last season with Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Dalton Schultz. All three are back looking for better numbers and a chance to claim a conference title. 

The addition of Diggs only fortifies Houston’s passing attack as it moves into a first-place schedule. Diggs, 30, will also be playing for a new contract as the Texans voided the final three years of his deal to make him a free agent. 

It’s hard to imagine the Texans’ regressing with another year of the same personnel. Bobby Slowik is back as offensive coordinator. Houston also bulked up its rushing attack by trading for Pro Bowler Joe Mixon from Cincinnati. 

Diggs, who will wear No. 1 for the first time since college, completes the H-Town trifecta. One shouldn’t be surprised to see No. 7 (Stroud), connecting with No. 1 and No. 3 (Dell) all around The Loop in 2024. 

C.J. Stroud dream team? Texans QB builds super offense against Micah Parsons

C.J. Stroud and Micah Parsons went head-to-head against one another in building a roster set to win a one-man game in the fourth quarter.

C.J. Stroud is building an offense for 2024, and he’s looking to take down the Dallas Cowboys.

Technically, he’s looking to take down Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parson.

During the latest episode of “The Edge with Micah Parsons podcast,” the Houston Texans quarterback was asked to build a team that could score on fourth down. Parsons was tasked with creating a defense that could make a stop inside the red zone.

Stroud started off by naming his ideal set of offensive teammates, rattling off countless talents who are game-changers. Of course, the rookie made sure to retain some Texans’ on the roster, including rookie receiver Tank Dell and All-Pro tackle Laremy Tunsil on the blindside.

Other names on the staff include Ja’Marr Chase, Davante Adams, Travis Kelce and Jahmyr Gibbs.

For Parsons, the usual suspects came on the screen. Alongside Parsons include Myles Garrett, Aaron Donald, and Chris Jones on the defensive line. If that’s not scary enough, Parsons secured a secondary featuring Sauce Gardner, Kyle Hamilton, Jalen Ramsey and Derwin James.

Who would win? The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year fresh off a division title? Is it the defender set on terrorizing quarterbacks every snap?

Even if these two never see the game of all-stars come to life, Stroud and Parsons will meet next season in what hopes to be one of the league’s top games. Many in the Lone Star State expect the matchup to happen on Thanksgiving, adding a bit more pizzazz to the holiday season. 

On top of seeing Stroud and Parsons go out on the field like they do on the microphone, Houston and Dallas would provide another rivalry. With Stefon Diggs a member of the Texans, he’ll now get a chance to face off against younger brother Trevon in coverage. 

After seeing Houston excel with Stroud commanding the huddle, the Texans are built to compete for a Super Bowl. So is Dallas, though it hasn’t made it past the divisional round in nearly three decades, so the matchup at AT&T Stadium should have more than enough talking points to get families through the year. 

As for the holidays, all bets are off. 

Texans QB C.J. Stroud: Everyone knows how ‘special’ John Metchie III can be

C.J. Stroud is expecting big things from the Houston Texans’ offense and a promising thrid season for John Metchie III

While the Houston Texans recently added Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs to the offense, C.J. Stroud wanted to talk about another receiver who’s been working overtime this offseason.

Stroud praised third-year pass-catcher John Metchie III’s work ethic and progress Monday after recently working out with him in Los Angeles, stating how different he’s looked a full year into his remission.

“He has a ton of value, a huge impact that I think he will bring this season,” Stroud said. “I think last year was good to get his feet back in the water, coming off of an injury, then something so traumatic like being sick how he was. His mindset is that he’s just ready to come back and ball.”

A former second-round selection out of Alabama in 2022, Metchie missed the entirety of his rookie season after being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a rare but treatable form of cancer. Instead of hauling in passes from Davis Mills, he was undergoing chemotherapy over at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Consider the 2023 campaign Metchie’s de facto rookie year. In 15 games, the former go-to target for Heisman winner and No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young hauled in 16 passes for 158 yards. Metchie’s most significant moment came against the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round, where his 27-yard catch set up an eventual touchdown pass to Nico Collins.

Stroud, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, recently invited Metchie, Diggs and Tank Dell out of L.A. to run drills at UCLA’s campus. Fully healthy, Stroud could see a spark in the slot receiver that could benefit the Texans’ passing attack this fall.

“Not only is he a great football player, but he’s a great person and I wouldn’t want anybody else other than those guys in that room,” said Stroud. “Metchie is looking amazing. Everything that he will put on this field will be no surprise, but I think everybody in this room knows how special he can be, and he’ll put that on the field.”

Metchie was named the Texans’ annual Ed Block Courage Award last season, recognizing his grit and determination to overcome great adversity. He now looks to be a staple of Houston’s offense en route to the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance this upcoming season.

C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson Jr. headline Texans playing in J.J. Watt’s charity softball game

J.J. Watt is bringing back his celebrity softball game, and all of your favorite Texans will be looking to go deep at Constellation Field.

J.J. Watt is bringing back his celebrity softball game and several current Houston Texans players will be looking to launch one out of Constellation Field in Sugar Land.

Watt announced the rosters for the game on May 4, which will pit former Texans players against the current AFC South champions. Among those from the active roster include Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud, Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., newly-acquired Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs, All-Pro tackle Laremy Tunsil, and Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter.

Watt’s team, known as the “Texans Legends, features several standouts from the legendary roster of old, including Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Johnson, Brian Cushing, Glover Quinn, Owen Daniels, and current head coach DeMeco Ryans, among others.

“Bias or no bias, these rosters are straight heat,” Watt posted on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C505rPmrH1I/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7314d088-a42e-4f8b-b736-213d84eb1914

Watt, the Texans’ all-time leader in sacks (101), began the yearly spectacle in 2013, first at Minute Maid Park and later in Sugar Land. The game raised money for the J.J. Watt Foundation, whose mission is to provide funding for junior high school athletic programs to purchase uniforms and equipment.

After his release, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year put the game on a hiatus while playing with the Arizona Cardinals. After retiring last offseason, Watt wanted to bring back the game back to H-Town, making the announcement in October before being inducted into the Texans Ring of Honor.

Since 2013, the foundation has provided more than $7 million in funding across 800-plus schools in the Greater Houston area.

Fans love the event, making a day of spending time with the Texans of old and now. It’s more than just a baseball game, but rather a full-fledged day filled with activities past the diamond.

Gates will open at 4 p.m. at Constellation Field and festivities will begin at 6 p.m. with a home run derby. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. and a postgame fireworks show will take place after the final out.

Who comes out on top? The only way to find out is to watch it live on Star Wars Day.

Here’s a list of every player participating from both teams.

Texans Legends (home team): J.J. Watt, Andre Johnson, DeMeco Ryans, Brian Cushing, Shane Lechler, Johnathan Joseph, Antonio Smith, T.J. Yates, Kareem Jackson, Glover Quin, Owen Daniels, Kevin Walter.

Current Texans (visitor team): C.J. Stroud, Stefon Diggs, Will Anderson Jr., Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Danielle Hunter, Dalton Schultz, Laremy Tunsil, Tytus Howard, Jimmie Ward, Ka’imi Fairbairn, Jon Weeks, Case Keenum and Jalen Pitre.

C.J. Stroud offers advice to teams intrested in former Ohio State teammate Marvin Harrison Jr.

While C.J. Stroud likely won’t play with Marvin Harrison Jr. next season, the Texans’ quarterback has advice for teams interested in him.

C.J. Stroud became a staple of the NFL as a rookie with the Houston Texans. Now, his former teammate is set to live up to the family name once selected next Thursday night.

Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the top receiving prospects in the upcoming draft, should be a top-five player when all is said and done. He’s been one of college football’s top pass-catchers over the past two years, earning All-American status with two different quarterbacks.

The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year was asked Monday what piece of advice he’d give Harrison leading up to the finish line. Stroud, who helped the son of the Hall of Fame target thrive as a sophomore, kept it short and sweet.

“Whoever’s up there man: Be smart,” said Stroud. “Don’t be dumb. Don’t think too hard.”

Harrison, the son of Indianapolis Colts’ All-Pro No. 1 target for Peyton Manning, was dominant in Columbus while helping the Buckeyes make the College Football Playoff in 2022. During his lone season with Stroud, he caught 77 passes for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Even after Stroud was drafted No. 2 overall, the production didn’t diminish at Ohio State. Harrison won the Fred Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top receiver, after hauling in 67 passes for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns (18.1 yards per catch) between Kyle McCord and Devin Brown.

Stroud, who led the NFL in passing yards per game (274) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (23-5), will always pull for the Scarlett and Red. That doesn’t mean he isn’t a fan of LSU’s Malik Nabers or Washington’s Rome Odunze, but of course, there’s a bit of bias when discussing which receiver deserves to be the first selected.

“Why should it be ‘Marv’? Put on the tape,” Stroud said when asked to make a case for Harrison as the top weapon. “He’s done it from really his freshman year, his true freshman year, to now.

“When you talk about — I think I read something like he’s NFL ready, but other guys have more potential. That makes no sense. Like, what? If you’re ‘NFL ready,’ how is that not potential?”

Harrison did not work out during the pre-draft process and did not meet with reporters at the combine last month in Indianapolis. Stroud, who spent two years with the 6-foot-4 target, said he’d love to play with Harrison again, but he knows it’ll be a few years before that becomes a reality.

“I probably won’t get that opportunity for a while, but I’m super proud of him,” said the quarterback.

Watch: Texans QB C.J. Stroud throws out first pitch at Astros game

The Houston Astros may want to call the Texans to rent C.J. Stroud as their next start on the mound.

C.J. Stroud might be the Houston Texans’ starting quarterback, but the team across town might need to borrow him for six frames in the not-so-distant future.

Stroud, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, threw out the first pitch Monday night before the Houston Astros took on the Atlanta Braves at Minute Maid Park. Much like in the 2022 World Series, the Braves would go on to win 6-1.

Houston’s pitching has been downright putrid to begin the year under new manager Joe Espada, posting a team ERA of 5.35. Stroud, who grew up playing all sports, but thrived on the gridiron and the hard court, delivered a perfect strike to first baseman Jon Singleton, though any professional big-league would have taken him yard before rounding the bases.

Unlike the Astros, the Texans are looking to progress following a breakout season behind Stroud, Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., and new coach DeMeco Ryans. Houston was one of the more aggressive teams in free agency, spending $178.5 million this offseason in guaranteed money,

Stroud, who became the fifth rookie passer in league history to throw for 4,000-plus yards in Year 1, should only benefit from a revamped offensive arsenal. The Texans not only re-signed tight end Dalton Schultz to a three-year extension, but also traded draft capital to acquire running back Joe Mixon and receiver Stefon Diggs. 

Last season, Stroud led the NFL in passing yards per game (274) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (23-5). He was named a Pro Bowler, where his relationship began to grow with Diggs off the field. Anderson, whom the Texans traded up nine spots to acquire at No. 3, also earned a Pro Bowl nod after breaking J.J. Watt’s rookie sack record (7.0).

Maybe the duo could launch the Astros’ back up the leaderboards? Stroud would be a flamethrowing ace with time, and Anderson likely could compete with Yordan Álvarez at designated hitter.

Stroud and the Texans are back in the building for voluntary workouts. Next week, a slew of new players will join the franchise via the NFL draft.

Watch: Texans QB C.J. Stroud throws out first pitch at Astros game

The Houston Astros may want to call the Texans to rent C.J. Stroud as their next start on the mound.

C.J. Stroud might be the Houston Texans’ starting quarterback, but the team across town might need to borrow him for six frames in the not-so-distant future.

Stroud, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, threw out the first pitch Monday night before the Houston Astros took on the Atlanta Braves at Minute Maid Park. Much like in the 2022 World Series, the Braves would go on to win 6-1.

Houston’s pitching has been downright putrid to begin the year under new manager Joe Espada, posting a team ERA of 5.35. Stroud, who grew up playing all sports, but thrived on the gridiron and the hard court, delivered a perfect strike to first baseman Jon Singleton, though any professional big-league would have taken him yard before rounding the bases.

Unlike the Astros, the Texans are looking to progress following a breakout season behind Stroud, Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., and new coach DeMeco Ryans. Houston was one of the more aggressive teams in free agency, spending $178.5 million this offseason in guaranteed money,

Stroud, who became the fifth rookie passer in league history to throw for 4,000-plus yards in Year 1, should only benefit from a revamped offensive arsenal. The Texans not only re-signed tight end Dalton Schultz to a three-year extension, but also traded draft capital to acquire running back Joe Mixon and receiver Stefon Diggs. 

Last season, Stroud led the NFL in passing yards per game (274) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (23-5). He was named a Pro Bowler, where his relationship began to grow with Diggs off the field. Anderson, whom the Texans traded up nine spots to acquire at No. 3, also earned a Pro Bowl nod after breaking J.J. Watt’s rookie sack record (7.0).

Maybe the duo could launch the Astros’ back up the leaderboards? Stroud would be a flamethrowing ace with time, and Anderson likely could compete with Yordan Álvarez at designated hitter.

Stroud and the Texans are back in the building for voluntary workouts. Next week, a slew of new players will join the franchise via the NFL draft.

C.J. Stroud breaks down thoughts on Texans’ trade for Stefon Diggs

C.J. Stroud was still sleeping when the Houston Texans traded for Stefon Diggs, but he’s wide awake on building a relationship in 2024.

C.J. Stroud was still asleep back home in Los Angeles when his phone started to ring. Multiple friends began to text him about how he felt. 

While in in daze, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year responded with a few ‘I’m good fam, how bout you’ texts before rolling back over to catch a few more minutes of slumber, 

Eventually, Stroud woke up, went to the bathroom, and brushed his teeth. There, he found out why everyone was asking how he was doing. They weren’t checking in, but rather wondering about his feelings toward the Houston Texans’ trade for Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs. 

“I was very excited,” a delighted Stroud said Monday at the start of voluntary workouts.

Traded to Houston in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick, Diggs headlines as the new top target for the reigning AFC South champions. He won’t be alone in the passing attack for Stroud entering Year 2, but he is the most proven among those expected to compete for starting reps. 

Since 2015, Diggs has been one of the league’s top targets. He’s posted six consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns, dating back to his time with the Minnesota Vikings. In four years with the Buffalo Bills, the Pro Bowler hauled in at least 103 passes, including a league-leading 127 catches in 2020. 

“He’s been a great player in this league for a long time, well respected,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He’s been a great teammate, he’s been a leader, a captain. And, when you look at him and watch the tape … no one doubts the playmaker that he is.” 

With Diggs and new running back Joe Mixon in the fold, Houston looks poised to make a deep run for the postseason. Behind Stroud’s record-setting rookie campaign, the Texans won the AFC South for the first time in four years before pulling off the upset against the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round. 

Diggs, 30, won’t be the only top target at NRG Stadium like at times in Orchard Park for All-Pro quarterback Josh Allen. Nico Collins broke onto the scene with over 1,200 receiving yards last season. Rookie Tank Dell and veteran Dalton Schultz also posted stellar seasons amid a top-10 finish in the passing game. 

“I think we have a lot of potential,” said Stroud. “A ton of guys who have played a lot of meaningful ball. A lot of guys who can do different things with the ball, which is amazing.”

While Diggs finished with over 1,100 receiving yards last season, his production dipped in the second half. After posting five 100-yard games in the first six weeks, he never posted another triple-digit outing following the firing of offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. 

In two combined playoff games, he finished with 10 catches for 73 yards. 

Those around the organization, including Ryans, believe Diggs is only getting started. He should be hungry entering a contract year after the Texans elected to void the final three years of a $102 million extension signed with the Bills in April 2022. 

“The guy has been an All-Pro player, he’s been a Pro Bowl player, over 1,000 yards for multiple seasons,” said Ryans. “So, we’re excited about adding Diggs to our team.”

Stroud, who became the fifth rookie passer to throw for over 4,000 yards in their first season, said he and Diggs first connected at the Pro Bowl back in February. He didn’t know at the time they’d later be partnering up for a Super Bowl run two months later. 

While Diggs hasn’t met with the media yet, he’s already built a rapport with Stroud and several other Texans’ teammates. The former No. 2 pick hosted Diggs, Dell, and third-year receiver John Metchie out in California to run drills before the start of workouts.  

“He has a lot of wisdom that he carries that I think he’ll spread to other guys,” Stroud said of Diggs. “He’s been reaching out to really everybody, and I think that whole room in general is going to be great. I think we’re all going to eat off each other.”

Entering next week’s draft, the Texans have the seventh-best odds to win this year’s Super Bowl, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.

Texans TE Dalton Schultz says he wanted to re-sign because of C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz recently signed a three-year, $36 million extension to keep catching passes from C.J. Stroud.

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz enjoyed a great first season on the team alongside C.J. Stroud in 2023. The two established a great connection in Stroud’s first season and rode the rookie quarterback’s arm to the AFC South title and a first-round playoff win.

So when it came time to decide his future, Schultz told “The Pat McAfee Show” on Wednesday that he always wanted to return to Houston because he wanted to continue to play with Stroud. He signed a three-year, $36 million deal this week to remain with the team.

“C.J.’s quickly cemented himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league,” Schultz said. “… That was a big part of me wanting to come back. I wanted to surround my guys like that. Guys that kind of galvanizes a football team and I think he absolutely does that.

“It’s a great time to be a Texan and I’m super excited to be back.”

Schultz finished the year with 59 receptions for 635 yards season and five touchdowns. Those numbers finished second, third and third on the team behind only wide receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell.

Stroud, meanwhile, went on to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after he completed 63.9% of his passes for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions. That ranked 11th, third, tied-for-sixth and tied-for-second among all rookie quarterbacks since the 1970 merger.

The veteran tight end went on to praise the rest of the team and the coaching staff in his interview with McAfee. From the sound of it, too, Schultz is all-in on what Houston can do in 2024 behind Stroud once more.