'A Living Testimony!' Texans' C.J. Stroud Inspires with Offensive Rookie of the Year Speech

Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud took home the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, giving him the platform to inspire others with his speech.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud galvanized a city with the performance of his rookie year, taking his team to the playoffs and taking home the hardware to show for it.

On Thursday, Stroud won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, surrendering only two first-place votes to Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua.

Taking the stage after the award, Stroud took the time to inspire others.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) jogs off the field after a 2024 AFC wild card game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

“To whatever kid that’s watching, you could do anything you put your mind to,” Stroud said. “I’m a living testimony to perseverance and trusting your goals and your dreams.”

Before Stroud was a top quarterback in college football, the second pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and the presumed savior of the Texans franchise, he battled through significant adversity. His father was incarcerated while Stroud was in middle school, leaving his family in financial ruin along with the obvious ramifications of losing a parent to prison.

His past influenced his activism, giving him the platform to share his beliefs about injustices within the criminal justice system. After some of the biggest moments of his career, Stroud took the time not to relish in the moment but to speak to the causes he believes in.

Stroud also made sure to thank those around him in his speech, from the Texans organization to his college coaches, family members, and the support he received as a child in California.

“Everything that y’all taught me,” Stroud said. “It took a village to raise me, and I appreciate that.”

For Texans' Will Anderson Jr., Winning Rookie Defensive Player of the Year Was Always a Goal

His perseverance has landed him at the NFL Honors ceremony after completing one of the best rookie campaigns in recent memory. Throwing for 4,108 yards, 23 scores, and just five interceptions, Stroud has cemented himself as the centerpiece of Houston’s future and one of the more revered quarterbacks in the game.

Expect Stroud to continue making an impact – both on and off the field – regardless of whether the accolades come as easily as he made it look in his age-22 season.