C.J. Stroud Delivers 'Special' Moment Amid Playoff-Sealing Win vs. Colts

Quarterback C.J. Stroud added another special moment to his rookie season as the Houston Texans took a playoff-clinching victory against the Colts.

After the Houston Texans made C.J. Stroud the No. 2 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, the former Ohio State prospect received a call from Cal and Hannah McNair. Stroud told the McNairs how grateful he was to be a part of the organization while promising to take the franchise to new heights.

Nearly nine months later, Stroud celebrated with the McNairs following a Week 18 23-19 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Stroud not only led the Texans to their third 10-win season in franchise history. But the rookie quarterback led Houston to their first postseason appearance since 2019. 

“It's tremendously special — just a multitude of great people and a great organization putting together just time," Stroud said. "One thing that I think about is all the time we spend together away from our families, away from our hometowns, away from people we love. It means something now. It always has, but just the time that we put in together to see the fruits of that labor come to be. It's a blessing, man. I'm just blessed to be a part of this."

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) runs the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium / Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Stroud has restored the Texans in his first season at the helm in Houston. He maintained his promise of changing the franchise's horrific fortunes through the first 17 weeks, and the season finale in Indianapolis wasn't any different.

Stroud capped off the regular season of his rookie year by throwing for 264 yards while going 20 of 26. On the Texans' first offensive drive, Stroud connected with wide receiver Nico Collins for a 75-yard touchdown.

With a tied score at 17 apiece, Stroud took to the field at Lucas Oil Stadium for Houston's final offensive series. But before the break, Stroud stressed to his teammates that they were about to embark on the most important drive of the season.

He led the Texans on a seven-minute drive that recorded 73 yards in a dozen plays. The possession ended with running back Devin Singletary rushing for a three-yard touchdown.

However, the Texans' drive would have ended early if not for Stroud going 8 of 8 for 86 yards. His most impressive play took place on 2nd and 20, when Stroud connected with tight end Dalton Schultz for a 17-yard gain. The connection came after Colts safety Ronnie Harrison Jr. sacked Stroud for 10 yards. 

"Every play, even we moved backwards, I think two or three times when we had two, three penalties, and we still persevered through that," Stroud said. "I just think that's the testimony to the work we put in, the type of guys that we brought into the system, our coaching staff. They called a great game. Just a multitude of our organization just putting it together. I'm just blessed enough to be a part of it.”

Stroud's performance was a coming-out party for the nation amid their first prime-time game of the season, but coach DeMeco Ryans was not surprised by the play of his rookie quarterback.

He knew Stroud was going to step up in the big-time moment. Ryans held several conversations throughout the week with Stroud but has seen him flourish in pressure situations since their near comeback victory against the Colts in September.

"When we need him most to step up and make plays, he has done it time after time throughout the entire year," Ryans said. "It's not surprising to anyone. That's who he is. He is one of the best passers in this league, and he shows it consistently game in and game out."

Texans Exclusive: Nico Collins' Road to Greatness Leads to Career-Best Season

Punching a ticket to the 2023 playoffs started as an improbable dream. However, Stroud's faith has instilled a new belief within the franchise. But getting to the postseason isn't the final checkpoint for Stroud, the McNairs or the Texans.

Their new profound belief has everyone in the organization believing that the franchise can go further than a Wild Card appearance. And perhaps, a trip to Las Vegas in early February.

"We definitely know what it takes to win, and I always tell them boys, it doesn't have to be close," Stroud said "Hopefully, we start putting four quarters together. In these types of games, that's kind of how it goes. It's an uphill battle. It's up and down. All you want is the W. We're proud of that.”