C.J. Stroud Among Six Finalists for Rookie of the Year
Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has the Houston Texans in the running for a chance to represent the AFC in Las Vegas for Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11.
In his first season at the helm in Houston, Stroud has led the Texans to the Divisional Round of the 2023 postseason, set to begin Saturday afternoon against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
Stroud has put together one of the best seasons in league history for a rookie quarter. As a result, the former Ohio State prospect is one of six finalists to take home the 2023 Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year award.
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Robert Scheer/IndyStar-USA TODAY NETWORK
Joining Stroud as finalists are De'Von Achane (Miami Dolphins), Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions), Sam LaPorta (Detroit Lions), Puka Nacua (Los Angeles Rams) and Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons).
The announcement comes after Stroud led the Texans to a 45-14 Wild Card victory against the Cleveland Browns on Jan. 13. In the win, Stroud finished the game going 16 of 21 for 274 yards and three touchdowns. He became the youngest quarterback in league history to win a playoff game.
"This a dream come true, as how close we are as a team," Stroud said. "We're really, really close. Offense, defense, special teams, we all blend well together. Just to have another week to go out with my brothers is a blessing. I'm super excited for this team and the city of Houston, and I'm blessed to be in the position I am."
Stroud finished the regular season with the third-most passing yards for a first-year quarterback with 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 63.9 percent of his passes.
