'How 'Bout Them Houston Texans!' J.J. Watt Excited About Former Team
The Houston Texans may have lost the first two games of the 2023 NFL regular season, but Week 3's dominant 37-17 upset win over AFC South division rival, the Jacksonville Jaguars, increased the hype that their exciting offseason created.
Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has already emerged as a standout among his draft class, and he's gotten the attention of Texans legend J.J. Watt.
"How 'bout them Houston Texans!," The three-time Defensive Player of the Year said on Wednesday's edition of The Pat McAfee Show. "C.J. Stroud is looking good, as he's calm, poised and leading that team."
Despite throwing for 906 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions over his first three games, Stroud has taken a lot of hits from opposing defenses due to an injury-riddled offensive line that was missing four starters in Week 2 and three this past Sunday. Watt explained that the 21-year-old's maturity when answering questions related to his front five is remarkable.
C.J. Stroud and J.J. Watt
"Many people can go up to the podium and just say 'ah, you know we're just waiting to get our guys back,' but C.J. takes all these hits and pressures and every time he stands at that podium he says 'I love my guys and I want to lift them up and support them.' That told me all I needed to know for him from a leader and person perspective," Watt said.
The NFL community has all but written off the Texans, Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans to win the AFC south division, as the Jaguars have been the resounding favorites. However, based off of this past Sunday's outcome, Watt isn't writing off Houston.
"Everyone says Jacksonville is going to dominate and win this division easily," Watt said. "Between (Nico) Collins, (Tank) Dell and some of the other receivers in the pocket, be careful now—Houston is brewing up something."
Watt will get to see Stroud and Houston at a closer lens this upcoming Sunday, as he'll be inducted into the Texans' Ring of Honor during their matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game will feature his brother, 2021 Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt, as well.
