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Texans QB C.J. Stroud Named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud received his first career award following an impressive three-game stretch in September.

HOUSTON — The NFL named Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for September.

During the Texans' 1-2 start to the season, Stroud completed 78-of-121 pass attempts for 906 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions for a passer rating of 98.0 across three games. He currently ranks first in all major categories among rookie quarterbacks.

Coach DeMeco Ryans said Stroud has been dialed in since the two parties started working together during rookie mini-camp in May. The outcome has led to Stroud improving each week.

"Everybody kind of has their own recipe for success and me personally, it’s just my routine and turning around every week for that team," Stroud said. 

"We’re playing and just working – working hard and being hard on yourself, being critical, being accountable on everybody – including yourself and holding everybody to a standard of what it takes to win and that’s what it takes.”

Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio / USA TODAY NETWORK, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) looks to handoff during the third quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday.

Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio / USA TODAY NETWORK, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) looks to handoff during the third quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday.

The announcement of Stroud's first career award came four days after he helped the Texans win their first game of the 2023 season in a road victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

En route to a 37-17 victory, Stroud finished the game by completing 20 out of 30 attempts for 280 yards and two touchdowns. 

Following his Week 3 performance at TIAA Bank Field, Stroud became the third player in NFL history to throw for at least 900 yards — joining Cam Newton (1,012) and Justin Herbert (931).

Stroud is the fifth offensive player in franchise history to receive the award in franchise history. He joins Deshaun Watson (2017), DeAndre Hopkins (2013), Steve Slaton (2008) and Domanick Williams (2003).