Updated Feb. 3, 2026, 8:20 p.m. CT
Did Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud have a shot at playing in the Pro Bowl this past week?
Yes.
Did he choose to back out to focus in on 2026?
Also yes.
According to KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Stroud elected to pass on heading out to Santa Clara for the Pro Bowl Games to instead prepare for next season. The former No. 2 overall pick struggled in the postseason, tossing five interceptions while also being responsible for five fumbles.
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Stroud, who won the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023 after breaking NFL records, looks to respond in a potential contract season. After that dominant first year, regression has constantly set in, resulting in three straight divisional round losses. Everything reached a head when the Texans fell short in the postseason behind a four-interception day from Stroud, including a pick-six that secured a 28-16 win for New England.
While Stroud did struggle in the postseason, he also helped Houston secure the longest winning streak in the NFL to close out the regular season at nine games. He also guided a pair of scoring drives in the wild-card round win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, including finding Christian Kirk for a touchdown in the second quarter.
With the Texans, Stroud is 3-3 all-time in the playoffs. He’s 28-18 in the regular season. He has completed 63.8 percent of his career passes for 10,876 yards, 62 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. This past year, the team’s 12-wins, Stroud threw for 3,041 yards and 19 touchdowns while also tacking on a pair of rushing scores.
“I’m still growing this league,” Stroud said. “Still a player that has a lot to learn from, a lot to look forward to in my career. So, I’m excited to do that.”
The Texans own the No. 28 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft this April.