'Ready To Relax': C.J. Stroud Reveals Early Offseason Plans Following Texans Playoff Loss

C.J. Stroud will return to the Houston Texans in several months recharged and ready for another breakout season.

C.J. Stroud is looking forward to rest. 

He's earned a few days away from the football field after the previous four months. Really the last 10 years if one were to date back his time at youth football camps growing up in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. 

Stroud has been in non-stop motion since the Houston Texans selected him second overall to become the face of the franchise in April. Whether it comes from studying the playbook, building relationships or bettering his body to come back next week, Stroud has been moving. 

Now, it's time to unwind. 

"I'm 22 years old, and this is my first time ever having freedom away from school, away from college," Stroud said Monday during exit meetings. "I'm excited. But at the same time, just like I'm ready to relax, I'm ready to get back to work, too. But I have to take some time to myself. It's just the right thing to do."

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

Stroud's work ethic won't keep him away from tossing passes with receivers for long. He'll unwind, regroup, and be back to work sooner than anyone expects. 

It's common in the league for players to take a step back and admire the job well done. Veteran quarterback Case Keenum called it a "mental "recharge, something everyone must do after for their mental state. 

Once the moment is over, it's right back to work, an area that's become clockwork for Stroud over the past four seasons between Ohio State and Houston. 

"With C.J., just him having the mindset that he has to continue to grow, continue to get better – that’s everything," said Texans coach DeMeco Ryans. "And we’ll continue to support him, surround him with the right people to help him reach his potential." 

Everything moving forward for Houston is about bettering Stroud, who's coming off arguably the greatest rookie season in league history. He became one of five passers to throw for 4,000-plus yards during their rookie season. He became the youngest quarterback to win a playoff game, and the first rookie since Mark Sanchez in 2009 to accomplish the feat in a victory over the Cleveland Browns. 

Stroud made magic in 2023. Houston won 11 combined games between 2020-2022. The franchise went through three head coaches, four different quarterbacks, and a slew of injuries that dragged expectations to rock bottom. 

Even in Saturday's 34-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the feeling among players in the locker room Monday was optimistic. Houston is trending upward entering the offseason, and it's largely due to Stroud and Ryans' arrival. 

"The future is bright here," said running back Devin Singletary. "Look out for the Texans next year." 

Stroud, who joined Tom Brady and Joe Montana as the third quarterback to lead the NFL in passing yards per game (273.9) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (23-to-5), will be back here soon. He's not looking for regression, but only progression entering Year 2. 

Rookie receiver Tank Dell, who was sidelined down the postseason stretch with a broken fibula, mentioned how the loss at M&T Bank Stadium "motivated C.J. tremendously."

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Stroud looks at it a different way. Despite the "chip on the shoulder" mantra carrying weight throughout the regular season, Stroud says that's just him being himself. 

With his rookie season complete, it's time for Stroud to unravel. Even if it's just for a week, it's best to enter "reset mode." When he returns, it's time to accomplish a new goal. 

One that doesn't have "rookie" attached to the word "top" regarding the quarterback position.

“I want to be the best, point blank, period," said Stroud. "I’m excited to get going with that.”