Key Takeaways:
– Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud earns praise from NFL superstar Tom Brady for his humble approach and exceptional debut season.
– Ryan Clark, during an episode of ‘The Pivot Podcast,’ facilitated the conversation where Brady praised Stroud.
– Despite converting a 3-win Texans squad into a 10-7 record holder, C.J. Stroud remains modest and appreciative of his team’s shared success.
– DeMeco Ryans, Texans head coach, confirms Brady’s observations and expresses admiration for Stroud’s cohesive team approach.
– Stroud continues to seek knowledge and self-improvement amid success, reflecting a mature mindset for a rookie player.
Commendable Rookie Season
Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud earned high praise in his debut season. Among his new fans is seven-time Super Bowl champion, Tom Brady. In a recently aired episode of ‘The Pivot Podcast,’ Brady took note of how Stroud handled his rookie season.
Brady stated, “C.J. is a good example. I genuinely appreciate his journey and how he navigated expectations, assembling last year’s season with humility.” Brady further explained that what he values most when watching quarterbacks is their ability to build solid relationships with their team members.
Stroud’s Grasp of Teamwork
Stroud’s prowess to connect with his teammates is exceptionally noteworthy given his brief career span. His inclusive attitude was a critical catalyst in the Texans’ remarkable turnaround. Thanks to him, the once 3-win team finished the season with a 10-7 record and a playoff victory.
Furthermore, ‘Pro Football Reference’ confirms that Stroud led the league in yards per game (273.9), interception percentage for pass attempts (1%), and interception percentage index (130) out of the 15 games he started, winning nine.
DeMeco Ryans Supports Brady’s Observations
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans echoed Brady’s sentiments. During an appearance on ‘The Rich Eisen Show,’ Ryans applauded Stroud’s distinctive traits such as accuracy, arm strength, and vision. Beyond Stroud’s on-field performance, Ryans praised his locker room charisma that inspires his teammates to perform better.
Ryans stated, “It’s the intangible that set him apart. And the connectedness in the locker room. He gets the guys around him in the locker room just to believe in him.” This trust and connection don’t stop at offensive players. Stroud makes an effort to build relationships with defensive players as well, fostering a fun, inclusive environment.
Passion For Learning Continues
Even with substantial success, Stroud remained eager to learn. His appearance on the ‘Let’s Go! Podcast’ demonstrated his continued curiosity, where he asked Brady about the mindset process when starting to play well.
Despite facing a formidable 2024 season with Houston’s third-toughest schedule according to Pro Football Network’s Dallas Robinson, Stroud seems more than ready to prove his worth.
In summary, the future looks promising for the young player, who seems less inclined towards individual glory and more toward fostering team spirit and learning. It’s no doubt refreshing to see a new generation of players exhibiting humbleness amidst early success.