'Nobody Better!' Cam Newton Praises Texans QB C.J. Stroud for Historic Rookie Season
The Houston Texans struck gold in the 2023 NFL Draft, taking the Offensive Rookie of the Year in C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 pick, and the Defensive Rookie of the Year in Will Anderson Jr. with the No. 3 pick.
Both players had outstanding rookie seasons, but Stroud's in particular was historic.
And during a recent guest appearance on Cam Newton's podcast, The 4th and 1 Show, Stroud was praised by the NFL veteran for having arguably the best rookie season of all time.
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) celebrates with quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) after a touchdown in a 2024 AFC wild card game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
“I don’t know nobody that really had a better rookie campaign than you," Newton said.
Indeed, its hard to find a better rookie season than what Stroud put together. In 15 games, Stroud threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns, with just five interceptions, leading a team that was 3-13-1 last season to an AFC South title and a playoff win.
Stroud, humble as ever, interjected stating that Newton also had a tremendous rookie season. Which, to be fair, he absolutely did, throwing for 4,051 yards and 21 touchdowns and rushing for 706 yards and 14 more scores. The Panthers, however, went just 6-10 that season.
However, Newton quickly responded back, explaining what made Stroud's year so special, and why it eclipsed his own Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign in 2011.
“We didn’t make it to the playoffs, we didn’t win, Newton said. "You won and you made it look sexy, you were standing on business. It wasn’t even your performance as much as you defying the odds... That market that you went in, it wasn't set up for you to win like you won.”
The Texans will look to build on that success this coming offseason and attempt to bring Stroud some more help at the skill positions in order to maximize his potential.
If they can do that, Stroud's second campaign could be even better than his first.
