Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud Staying 'Even-Keeled After NFL Hall of Fame Enshrinement

The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Stroud's game ball from his Week 5 performance against the Atlanta Falcons. He became the NFL's all-time leader for most attempts to begin his career without an interception with 186 passes thrown.

HOUSTON — Not many quarterbacks can say they have a spot in Canton within their first season in the league. But when it comes to Houston Texans' quarterback C.J. Stroud, he achieved the feat in five games.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Stroud's game ball from his Week 5 performance against the Atlanta Falcons. He became the NFL's all-time leader for most attempts to begin his career without an interception with 186 passes thrown. 

A record Dak Prescott previously held since 2016 (176) — the previous top three were Tom Brady (162) and Tua Tagovailoa (152). 

"It’s cool — I just try to stay even-keeled – onto the next," Stroud said. "You have to celebrate those small victories and those things because I do work hard on certain things like that, but it’s never at the front of my mind...I always try not to think about it too much, but at the same time, be grateful for it."

The record Stroud set is a testament of how he has applied each lesson learned since the early days of rookie mini-camp in May.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Stroud began the first few weeks of training camp throwing several interceptions. During the Texans' 20-9 preseason loss to the New England Patriots, he committed an interception during his first career drive.

Following the loss, Stroud and the coaching staff reiterated the importance of taking care of the ball. After leaving Gillette Stadium on Aug. 10, he went 10 consecutive weeks without throwing a pick.

His first interception came during the Texans' Week 6 victory over the New Orleans Saints, which marked another learning opportunity for the former Ohio State quarterback. 

"Me personally, just being better with my eyes and keep my eyes down the field, not looking at the rush and getting through my progressions better – things like that," Stroud said. "All things that can be fixed, which is a good thing."

Six games into his NFL career, Stroud is on an early trajectory that could end with him receiving a permanent spot among the game's greatest players.

He has completed 60.0 percent of his passes for 1,660 yards and nine touchdowns. Due to Stroud's play, the Texans are entering their Week 8 contest against the winless Carolina Panthers with a 3-3 record.