'We're Going To Be Back!' Texans C.J. Stroud Makes Guarantee On Playoff Return

The Houston Texans' season is over, but quarterback C.J. Stroud knows he, defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and the rest of the team are just getting started.

There's only one happy ending to an NFL season and losing in the Divisional Round of the playoffs like the Houston Texans did last weekend isn't where you find it.

Even hoisting a trophy as AFC Champions wouldn't have been enough in a profession where anything less than a Texans' Super Bowl win is considered falling short.

Houston had dreams of earning a Lombardi Trophy that many didn't expect them to get close to this year. And after falling two games shy of that goal quarterback C.J. Stroud knows he and his team aren't done, and are far from out.

Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud (No. 7) quiets the huddle before a snap against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

"Something I’ve learned in this league is you can’t let your emotions fluctuate," Stroud said. "I told Will, man, he’s probably the most talented player – one of the most talented players I’ve ever been around in my life. I said, ‘We’re going to be back in this moment, I can promise you that.’ I don’t know when it’s going to be, how it’s going to be, who’s going to be on this team, but we’re going to get back.”

Notice Stroud didn't say he wanted Anderson to be satisfied with what they accomplished, even though it's far more than anyone outside the team expected. Even those who cover it up close and personal.

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The outside world is going to applaud Stroud, Anderson Jr., and first-year coach DeMeco Ryans for all they accomplished together this season.

For them, however, it's just the first step toward getting where they want to go. And as defending AFC South Champions they'll now turn their sights toward getting better and preparing to defend that crown because they aren't taking anyone by surprise next year.