'Like a Brother!' Houston Texans' C.J. Stroud Describes Relationship with DeMeco Ryans

The Houston Texans are off to a hot start, in no small part due to the impacts of newcomers DeMeco Ryans and C.J. Stroud. How do they feel about each other?

Unsurprisingly, the national media has honed in on Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. The rookie has burst onto the scene, helping Houston jump out to a 2-2 start, complete with exciting passing totals and a knack for avoiding interceptions.

That newfound attention found him booked on “The Pat McAfee Show” Thursday afternoon. There, he preached many of the same principles he’s talked about in press conferences and interviews alike—being a good teammate, trying to get better, and ultimately being a good leader for the Texans.

He was also asked about first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans, the initial success they’ve had together, and the relationship that creates.

“For him, he’s nothing but a blessing to all of us,” Stroud said. “... I wouldn’t say he doesn’t seem like a head coach—he’s stern, he’s hard on us, he’ll hold everybody accountable—but he’s really like a brother of ours, and people want to play for him.”

Houston’s hot start can be attributed to the offensive line stepping up despite a continuous stream of injuries and development from young receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell. With the offense a legitimate threat to hang 30 on opposing teams, the pass defense has faced more one-dimensional offenses.

C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins / USA TODAY Sports

The Texans are embodying Ryans’ winning mindset, a point he has emphasized time and time again. So far, it’s working.

“He’s supporting us through and through,” Stroud said. “And he’s been nothing but amazing. Drafted all rookies who come from winning programs, which I think was on purpose, and who have bought into the foundation that we’re setting.”

So far this season, Stroud has thrown for 1,212 yards, six touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He ranks in the top half of the league in passer rating (100.6, 9th) and Pro Football Focus grade (73.3, 14th).

His appearance on the show is ample recognition of how far he and Houston have come in just a matter of months. A strong head coach and franchise quarterback pairing can do wonders for a franchise, and it seems the Texans are on the right track.

“We’re really trying to flip this thing around,” Stroud said. “It’s a blessing to have somebody like DeMeco.”