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C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers.
As a quarterback, C.J. Stroud lives under constant scrutiny on the field and still draws attention off it. The Houston Texans star was back at it, with cameras finding Stroud as he stepped out with a noteworthy rival player.
This all comes on the heels of strong comments from Texans general manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans.
It also follows a clear message from the player Stroud was spotted with, Bryce Young.
Texans’ C.J. Stroud Turns Heads With Panthers’ Bryce Young
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans greets Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers after a preseason game.
Stroud and Young have faced each other once in their career, during their rookie season, with the Carolina Panthers defeating the Texans. In their latest interaction, they were on the same sideline, but as spectators.
The QB duo attended a game between the LA Clippers and the Minnesota Timberwolves, and they caught up with stars Anthony Edwards and Darius Garland afterward.
They drew eyes from NBA and NFL circles.
Darius Garland, C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, and Anthony Edwards all caught up after Timberwolves vs. Clippers 🤝
The two QBs are inextricably linked, with the Panthers taking Young first overall in 2023, and the Texans selecting Stroud second. Carolina and Houston met in the preseason, too. Houston won. But Stroud and Young have a history going back to their high school playing days in California.
Young accused Stroud’s detractors of seeking engagement rather than the truth.
“I don’t know why people act like they haven’t watched him go and dominate this league. We’ve all seen it, ” Young said on “The Pivot” podcast on February 20. “We know what he can do. We know what he does. We’ve watched him do such crazy things in this league, and that’s who he is. Don’t get that twisted, ever. That’s who he is.”
Young said he knows how Stroud is as a player, leader, and person, and that the Texans’ QB is aware of that, too, saying he is “excited to watch what he does.”
Nick Caserio Doubles Down on C.J. Stroud
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans reacts during the AFC Divisional Playoffs against the New England Patriots.
The Texans, for their part, have made no bones about where they stand on Stroud after trade speculation emerged early in the offseason. Caserio rejected the idea of the Texans trading Stroud as “moronic” and doubled down.
“Honestly, try not to pay too much attention to it. But if you feel like you have to address something, and [we] felt like that was the appropriate thing to do. He’s our quarterback, he’s played a lot of good football for us,” Caserio said on “The Pat McAfee Show” on February 26. “He’s had some good games, he’s had some games where, look, all of us, there’s some ups and downs. Things you have to deal with.
“Glad he’s our quarterback, and glad he’s going to be here for next season, and we want him here.”
Ryans also spoke about the Texans’ faith in Stroud, saying it “has never changed.”
DeMeco Ryans Gets Honest About C.J. Stroud
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans celebrates after a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans.
Ryans said he told Stroud that he loves and cares about him, noting that their loss in the AFC Divisional Playoffs was a low point, but that he believes the QB will bounce back from his role in a big way and is already working toward that.
“He’s already been in, working out. He’s already understanding what he has to do. He has to have a great offseason, and he’s prepared for that. He’s working that way. He has the right mindset. Great young man, talented young man. He is part of the reason why we’ve had the success we’ve had with the Texans over the past three years, and he’ll continue to lead us in that regard,” Ryans said.
“He’s the guy. He’s done a lot of great things for us. I’m pleased with what he’s done, and I know what he’s capable of. Great leader, great young man, and he’s a really great quarterback.”
Still, the Texans will face questions about Stroud until they extend him, if they do.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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