Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud Won't Back Down From A Fight

On Sunday, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton got into a shoving match and Stroud didn't back down.

Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud is not your typical rookie, and he wants opposing defenses to know it. Aside from this exemplary play on the field this season, he's made it clear he won't be pushed around.

On Sunday against the Broncos, Houston was faced with a critical fourth down inside the red zone. Stroud took the snap but the play was whistled dead. Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton may have heard the whistle, but he only half-heartedly stopped and collided with Stroud before the two were involved in a shoving match.

C.J. Stroud / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

"I'm a man, and I'm not going to let somebody just come push me, especially in my house," Stroud said. "You're not going to just touch me after the whistle. You clearly hear it. I'm not mad at that dude. He played hard. He maybe tried to – but I didn’t like it, and I’ve got to control my composure."

Stroud understands how the league works and that he's just a rookie. But he's not backing down.

"I feel like I have throughout the year," Stroud continued. "Time and time again, I keep getting hit, I keep getting my face mask pulled, all type of stuff. I'm not mad. I guess I’ve got to earn it because I'm a rookie or whatever. I don't get a lot of calls and I’ve got to stand on business and understand, it's a fight for 60 minutes with me. 

"You ain't going to come hit me, and I'm going to tuck my tail. I'm not mad at that dude. I talked to him after the game, and everything is all right."

Singleton had no comment on the play after the game, other than making an excuse about possibly being pushed into Stroud by Texans offensive lineman Shaq Mason. He then said he knows those calls will go to the quarterback. 

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"You know how this league is," he said. Singleton was flagged for unnecessary roughness which gave Houston a fresh set of downs before eventually scoring a touchdown on a Dameon Pierce three-yard touchdown run.

Stroud and the Texans got the last laugh with a 22-17 win