'Be The Best!' Texans QB C.J. Stroud Not Satisfied With Rookie Success

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud had a superb rookie campaign, but he is aiming for better heights in the years ahead.

If the 2023 season revealed anything, it's that the Houston Texans now have their franchise quarterback. That franchise quarterback, however, is not satisfied with his current game.

C.J. Stroud put up monster numbers in his rookie campaign, throwing for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns in the regular season paired with just five interceptions. His stellar growth helped spark Houston to a 10-7 record, an AFC South title and a playoff win, setting the franchise well ahead of schedule in its rebuild.

Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) drops back to pass against the Baltimore Ravens in the first half of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium / Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Even so, Stroud can't rest on his rookie success forever. In fact, he's not even doing it now.

"I want to be the best," Stroud said Monday. "I don't want to be the best rookie or the best second-year player. I want to be the best.

"I'm just super thankful for God and Christ for really just having a rookie year like I had. To be able to be mentioned with a whole bunch of greats and be playing against greats, it's just a blessing."

Thankful but not satisfied. That is a solid indication of what the Texans have for the future at quarterback, and head coach DeMeco Ryans knows it. It was also Ryans' "rookie" season as a head coach, and the bond that he and Stroud found in 2023 sets up an intriguing future in Houston.

'Changed My Life!' Stroud Details Relationship With Texans Coach

"An important question every team is looking for is that quarterback," Ryans said. "We know how important the position is. We know how many resources go into finding the right guys as half of the league has them, and half don't. It's a special position. It takes a special person to play that position, and we're happy to have C.J. leading us."

The Texans may be watching the remainder of the postseason from their living rooms, but they have already turned the page to 2024. If that's any indication, that campaign could be special when September rolls around.