Texans Daily

'Bryce Is My Brother': Texans QB C.J. Stroud Shares Special Bond With Bryce Young

Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud opens up about his relationship with draftmate Bryce Young, who the Panthers selected with the first pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Coty M. Davis

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HOUSTON — When the Houston Texans selected quarterback C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, fans at the Miller Outdoor Theatre erupted in celebration. 

But simultaneously at the Union Station in Kansas City, quarterback Bryce Young, who the Carolina Panthers drafted with the top pick, also cheered the selection of Stroud.

Stroud and Young entered the draft as the top two players at their position. They dominated college football together over the previous two years. And ahead of their rookie campaigns, the consensus believes it will not be long before Stroud and Young have their names ranked among the NFL elites.  

Young's reaction to the selection of Stroud was more than a celebration for his draftmate. His enthusiasm was a testament to the relationship the two quarterbacks have developed since their middle school days in California.

"Bryce is my brother," Stroud said. "We really didn't become close until the end of high school going into college. I was super excited to see him go to Carolina. I think it's a great fit for him. He's going to have a great career."

Stroud and Young have the same trainer. And whenever time permits, the two quarterbacks have spent time working out together in California. 

Spring break marked the last time Stroud and Young trained together. And according to Stroud, they spent the day joking and having fun between their sessions. 

Stroud said Young is always clowning him about clipping his nails, which has motivated Houston's new quarterback to receive a few manicures. And when they are not training or cracking jokes on each other, Stroud said they are playing basketball. But due to their competitive nature, their trainer does not allow them to guard each other.

"We just play really hard, that shows you the competitive nature we have," Stroud said. 

"B. Young is definitely going to go to Carolina and do some special things. Being around him, you can see how he processes the game, how he's quick on his feet, how quick he is. He's going to have a great career."

When NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced Young as the first player drafted Thursday night, Stroud embraced his childhood friend before the Alabama prospect took the stage as the No. 1 overall pick.

Stroud and Young will root for each other from afar throughout their rookie campaigns until the Panthers and Texans cross paths during the 2023 NFL season. The game will mark the only time Stroud and Young will go from bros to foes. 

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Coty M. Davis
COTY M. DAVIS