Future Hall-of-Famer Aaron Rodgers Heaps Praise On Houston Texans Rookie QB C.J. Stroud

Aaron Rodgers, a veteran NFL quarterback, sees a lot of promise in the Houston Texans' young arm in C.J. Stroud.

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has drawn headlines in the early portions of the 2023 NFL season, but on Tuesday, the league veteran reacted to the career start for Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Rodgers, who spent the 2005-22 seasons with the Green Bay Packers before joining New York this offseason, was a guest on The Pat McAfee Show this week, and he was asked to comment on Stroud's early performance in the NFL, one that features seven touchdown passes and no interceptions through five weeks.

“It’s incredible, it really is," Rodgers said. "You know, ball security is job security, and he’s done an incredible job of that. I would be interested to look at how many, I think because they track this, and again, I think some of it is subjective in nature, but they track the number of like turnover-worthy plays, and I’d be interested to see how many throws were in that category because I feel like overall, he’s been doing a fantastic job of taking care of the football. 

"I don’t know him at all, but from a far, I do appreciate, he seems to be a really humble kid. He’s got his head screwed on the right way. He’s a tough kid."

Analysts and fans weren't exactly high on Houston entering this season. The Texans were set to feature a rookie quarterback after posting a 3-13-1 record in 2022, but the hiring of head coach DeMeco Ryans has brought positive returns this season. His team currently has a 2-3 record, already nearing last season's win total.

Oct 8, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports / © Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

“A lot of people were dogging the Texans," Rodgers said. "‘They’re going to be terrible.’ But what DeMeco’s done there, especially after an 0-2 start, and coming back and winning a couple big games. They had a tough one there at the end [against the Atlanta Falcons]. C.J. led an incredible drive to put them ahead at the end of the game. Just couldn’t stop them there on that last drive. 

"But man, 186 throws without a pick to start a career? That’s phenomenal. I think the most important stat is, it’s not like he’s throwing for 150 yards a game. He was averaging I think 300 a game before this last game, so big props to C.J. Great start to his career, and again, ball security is job security.”

Stroud, Ryans and the Texans will look to jump back into the win column this week when they play host to the New Orleans Saints. Kickoff is set for noon CT on Sunday, and the game will be televised on FOX.