Texans QB C.J. Stroud Excited For 'One Of A Kind' Opportunity in Houston

C.J. Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, believes he has a "one of a kind" opportunity to be held as the next franchise quarterback of the Houston Texans.

HOUSTON — Former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud has a new home. And despite the noise entering the 2023 NFL Draft, Stroud was the No. 2 overall pick by the Houston Texans — the selection following the Carolina Panthers taking Bryce Young at one. 

Stroud understands his arrival in Houston will come with significant expectations of being held as the Texans' next franchise quarterback. And due to his faith and work ethic, Stroud understands the significance ahead of his NFL career.

"I am viewing this opportunity as one of a kind," Stroud said. "This is something God put in my life, and I know this is special. I am going to treat this like my baby. The city of Houston has not seen a franchise quarterback in a long time, and that is something I hope I become." 

Stroud, 21, doesn't lack self-confidence when speaking on his ability to live up to the lofty expectations of being held as the Texans' franchise quarterback. Stroud says he is "battle-tested" and doesn't believe in pressure. But more importantly, he believes he can help improve a franchise that have won seven games over the past two seasons.

The Texans have been on a quarterback carousel since Deshaun Watson demanded a trade in January 2021. 

Three quarterbacks have started in place of Watson since his horrid departure. Houston gave Davis Mills a chance to prove his worth as Watson's successor, but a deficient sophomore campaign last season ruined his chance. 

Stroud said he refused to glance at mock drafts or listen to outside noises as it appeared his stock was falling leading up to the draft. His draft status took a blow due to the public neglecting his on-field talents in favor of low S2 test results.

But Thursday morning, the two-time All-Big Ten quarterback said there was a feeling he was going to the Texans as the second pick. And a phone-call several hours later validated Stroud's belief.

"I knew that if the Texans wanted me, they were going to go get me," he said. "I don't care about the outside noise. Even after my playing days, I know I still won't be perfect. But I'm going to make sure I work my tail off to do the right thing. And you have my word on that for sure."

Stroud finished his career at Ohio State throwing for 8,123 yards while completing 69.3 percent of his passes for 85 touchdowns and a dozen interceptions.

He put on a clinic in his final game despite the Buckeyes falling 42-41 in a Peach Bowl loss to the Georgia Bulldogs. Stroud finished with 348 yards and four touchdowns while completing 23-of-34 pass attempts in a memorable finale.

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