C.J. Stroud Named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Finalist
HOUSTON — When the Houston Texans drafted C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, no one knew what to expect from the former Ohio State prospect.
Nine months after his arrival in April, Stroud has put together one of the best seasons by a rookie quarterback in league history. And now, he is a finalist for The Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud following a home win at NRG Stadium.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Joining Stroud as finalists are 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 the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Houston's postseason run came to a disappointing end Saturday in a 34-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. However, Stroud did lead the Texans to the Divisional Round by taking a 45-14 Wild Card victory against the Cleveland Browns on Jan. 13.
In the win, he 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.
"So many highlights throughout the year," Stroud said. "So many exciting games, close games. I think the one that sticks out – probably the Tampa Bay game sticks out the most. To see us be able to come back and see the plays that we were able to make in that game to win that game – that’s one that really sticks out to me. There’s a lot of moments.
"I can’t give them all [to you]. I think none [were more] special than the win at the end of the year vs. Indianapolis when we were able to clinch our spot into the playoffs. That’s one that I’ll always remember, and it’s a significant moment for our team and where we were at the time, so a very special moment there."
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.
