'I Want My Own!' Why Texans QB C.J. Stroud Refuses To Look at Lombardi Trophy
The Houston Texans are going to enter the 2024 season expected to win the AFC South and make it farther than the AFC Divisional Round, where their season came to an end in 2023. That’s a far cry from the 6.5 wins they were projected for as the season began.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans deserves a ton of credit, as does general manager Nick Caserio and the supporting cast that stepped up. But no one is more responsible for turning Houston into a contender than quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Stroud capped off one of the most impressive rookie seasons in recent memory with the hardware to match, bringing home 48 of 50 first-place votes for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
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The personal accolades are nice, but Stroud will be the first one to tell you that the Lombardi Trophy, awarded to the Super Bowl champions, is the only one that matters. He won’t go as far to look at the trophy that either the Kansas City Chiefs or San Francisco 49ers will hoist on Sunday.
On “Up & Adams,” Stroud sat next to the trophy, refusing to give it any more dignity than his peripheral vision.
“I don’t want to look at it yet,” Stroud said. “I’m not going to look at it.”
When asked why not, Stroud kept his response brief.
“Because I want my own.”
After falling short against the Baltimore Ravens – the eventual AFC runner-ups – Houston’s magical season came to an end. The fanbase is re-energized and the team is on the right trajectory, but like 29 other teams, the Texans share the same unsatisfactory fate.
Stroud isn’t focused on 2023’s ending, though. He’s onto bigger things.
“I just feel like I want to put my eyes on the one that I want to win. That’s already up for grabs from two other teams and I’m not available in those games, that’s not my team,” Stroud joked. “So I’d rather just wait next year for mine.”
The Texans have entered an offseason that is critical to their Super Bowl aspirations. Taking advantage of Stroud’s rookie window with high-profile free agents and strong rookie classes can be the difference between stagnating in the early rounds of the playoffs and holding a Lombardi Trophy of their own.
