Texans' C.J. Stroud shares surprising take about nightmare playoff outing

Questions about the long-term future of quarterback C.J. Stroud hovered over the Houston Texans even before he tossed four interceptions in the first half of Houston's 28-16 divisional-round playoff loss at the New England Patriots on Jan. 18.

While speaking at a recent event, Stroud opened up about his rough outing at Gillette Stadium.

C.J. Stroud "okay with suffering in front of people" on big stage

"Of course, my last game didn't go the way I wanted it to," Stroud admitted, per Grant Gordon of the NFL's website. "Of course, I wish I had plays back, but I'm okay with suffering in front of people, because I know somebody's going to see how I respond. We're all going to go through bad days, we're all gonna go through bad moments. I'm going to have bad plays, I'm going to have bad games, but my response needs to be in humility, in joy, gratitude, because I know my savior was on the cross for me."

Before the New England game, the Texans notched a 30-6 wild-card playoff victory at the Pittsburgh Steelers as Stroud became the first player since New York Giants legend Eli Manning (2007 regular season) to win a game with five fumbles since fumbles were first recorded in 1991. Stroud lost a pair of fumbles and was intercepted once in that matchup. 

"I'm just grateful for the suffering," Stroud continued. "Not only the suffering that people don't see, but also the suffering that people also do [see]."

C.J. Stroud once again makes feelings on Texans tenure clear

Stroud previously made it known that he wants to be with the Texans "as long as I can." Houston made him the second overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, and the Texans are expected to pick up the fifth-year option for 2027 attached to his rookie contract. However, it's unclear if the club will look to sign him to a multiyear extension this offseason.

"I'm so grateful to be in Houston," Stroud said at the event. "This city has welcomed my family with open arms."

Teammates have voiced their support for Stroud since the New England game, but it remains to be seen if the 2026 season will become a "prove it" campaign regarding his future with the organization.