In a quarterback-driven league, teams are either trying to land their franchise passer or ensure they're the right name for the long haul.
If anyone doubted that the Houston Texans weren't sold on third-year quarterback C.J. Stroud as the present and future of the AFC South champions, owner and CEO Cal McNair just silenced those thoughts.
“He has all of our respect,” McNair said of Stroud during the NFL owners meetings at The Breakers Hotel. “I think we’ve seen his ability on the field is totally there to lead the team. We’ve seen it for two years now, and I think he’ll take another step this year. He’s a great leader and we’re looking for him to lead us where we’ve never gone before. We think he can do it.”
After breaking rookie records in 2023, Stroud was expected to elevate his game. Expectations were standard for a player who led the NFL in touchdown-to-interception ratio while becoming the fifth first-year passer in league history to throw for 4,000-plus yards.
PALM BEACH, Fla. -- #Texans Cal McNair on quarterback C.J. Stroud heading into Year 3: 'He's a great person. So, he has all of our respect. I think we've seen his ability on the field is totally there to lead the team. We've seen it for two years now and I think he'll take… pic.twitter.com/IQUoumXNef
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 1, 2025
But while Houston built a competent offense in the offseason around the then-reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, injuries and inconsistency on the offensive line led to regression. Stroud threw for 3,727 yards and 20 touchdowns, three fewer than his rookie campaign. He also completed just 63.2% of his throws and doubled his interception total with 12.
Not all the blame can land on Stroud's shoulders. He was sacked 52 times during the regular season and 11 more in the playoffs. His promised wide receiver trio of Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell only played four games together because of injury.
But it's Stroud off-the-field attitude that has made him a beloved figure in the community. The former No. 2 pick has been heavily involved in the community through his charitable foundation with his family and has forged a bond with his teammates and relationships throughout the building.
“He’s wonderful off the field,”
