HOUSTON — As the Houston Texans gear up for their wild-card playoff match against the Los Angeles Chargers, the praise for second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud’s leadership has been abundant. Yet, Stroud himself remains humble, somewhat dismissive of the accolades.
“I don’t think I’m a great leader,” Stroud admitted modestly. “That might not sound good, but I’m just trying to be myself.” Despite his self-effacing remarks, the 23-year-old has undeniably emerged as a pivotal figure for the Texans.
“C.J. is genuine; he’s true to himself,” said head coach DeMeco Ryans. “His authenticity shines through, not just in performances but also within the locker room, which is vital to leadership. Evolving as a leader requires just being real, and C.J. embodies that.”
Veteran offensive lineman Tytus Howard noted the immediate impact Stroud had, believing he was destined for greatness. “He has this special presence—when he speaks, everyone pays attention,” Howard remarked. Stroud has played an integral role in leading the Texans to the AFC South title and back-to-back playoff appearances, following a tough stretch of only 11 wins across the previous three seasons before his arrival as the second overall draft pick.
Last year, Stroud’s performance earned him the title of AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, and he played a crucial role in Houston’s playoff journey, which included a win against the Browns before their exit at the hands of the Ravens. Although his statistics somewhat diminished this season compared to his phenomenal rookie year—where he only threw five interceptions—he has continued to display resilience in his second year. This season has presented challenges, including losing top receiver Nico Collins for five games, along with Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs to injuries. Furthermore, Stroud has shown remarkable resilience, starting every game despite enduring 52 sacks.
“He’s taken quite a few hard hits,” Howard acknowledged. “Even through all of that, he remains unfazed, continuing to fight, which lifts the entire offense.” Off the field, Stroud fosters unity within the team by organizing social events. He regularly invites teammates over for dinner or game nights and recently even rented out a movie theater for a private viewing of “Gladiator II.”
“It’s important for the guys to bond,” Howard stated. “This camaraderie strengthens our performance both on and off the field.” An essential aspect of Stroud’s leadership is his genuine concern for his teammates beyond their football roles. This was especially evident when Dell was critically injured during a game against the Chiefs, with Stroud visibly upset and emotional as he saw his teammate being cared for.
Reflecting on this human aspect, Stroud said, “It was important for people to see that I’m just a regular person at heart.” He credited his family, coaches during high school and college, and most recently Coach Ryans for shaping his leadership style. Ryans added that Stroud understands he doesn’t bear the full weight of leadership alone because other strong personalities surround him.
“Recognizing that leadership is a shared responsibility allows C.J. to embrace his role without feeling overwhelmed,” Ryans explained. “His teammates look to him, and he respects that expectation.” Stroud, known for his stubbornness—something he doesn’t perceive negatively—believes this trait has sharpened his leadership abilities, instilling a strong standard for how he conducts himself and expects the same from others.
“I’ve always had that trait,” he said. “My mom often pointed out my stubbornness, but it’s tied to having a standard for how I like things done.” Stroud doesn’t explicitly categorize himself as a bad leader; hearing his teammates praise him has been validating. “I don’t envision myself as the best, but I aim to lead by example. It’s gratifying to hear positive feedback from others.”
While Stroud remains modest about his role, he is clear on what being a great leader entails. As the Texans head into their critical playoff game, he aspires to elevate his teammates’ performance, an aspiration he believes is essential for effective leadership. “Great leaders make everyone around them better,” he elaborated. “Just like a point guard, quarterback, or pitcher—it’s about enhancing the capabilities of those around you.”
