CJ Stroud Sends Strong Message About Who Runs the Show in Houston

The Houston Texans are in Year 2 of the CJ Stroud experience. Stroud already led the Texans to a win in the 2024 season after he helped Houston pull off a thrilling 29-27 win against the Indianapolis Colts on the road last Sunday.

Stroud has a heavy burden on his shoulders, which comes with the success he had as a rookie in 2023. That season, he passed for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns with just five interceptions while leading the Texans to their first playoff appearance since 2019.

At just 22 years old and in just his second year in the NFL, Stroud appears to have a strong understanding of what it takes to become an effective leader of a team.

"I'm the captain of the ship, and I've got to run it the right way," Stroud said, per DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN .

"And I feel like I've stepped into the role of not only holding guys accountable, but also holding myself accountable to those moments. I don't let anything slide."

After winning just three games in 2022, Stroud came into the picture for Houston and sparked a huge turnaround. The Texans went 10-7 in 2023 on the strength of a much-improved offense with the former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback under center.

Stroud's ability to lead the Texans will be put to the test throughout the 2024 campaign, including in Week 2's showdown at NRG Stadium against Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears.

Related: C.J. Stroud is honored to be named captain of the Texans