C.J. Stroud comments on trash talk from Colts linebackers

Heading into the 2023 NFL draft, C.J. Stroud out of Ohio State looked like the most polished, NFL-ready prospect among the quarterbacks in his class. Just how far ahead Stroud was compared to the competition was not something any analyst anticipated, though. Stroud is coming off what was arguably the best rookie season for any Pro quarterback in the modern era, certainly the best since Cam Newton's tremendous 2011 campaign.

Stroud finished the 2023 season with a 9-6 record, totaling over 4,000 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions, making him one of the game's most-efficient QBs right out of the gate.

Success at this level is never a guarantee, though. Some of the most-gifted college quarterbacks of all time have struggled their first year in the league. Even No. 1 overall picks like Peyton Manning can have a rough transition (Manning threw more interceptions than touchdowns as a rookie).

It seems like what separates Stroud from the herd is a pretty mean competitive nature, without which no athlete can last in the NFL. Watch Stroud talk about how he responded to the Colts and other opponents talking trash and you'll see what we mean.

We won't have to wait long for the next chapter in this particular rivalry. The Texans will visit the Colts in Week 1 after splitting last year's series 1-1.