Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud ended his 2025 season on a disappointing note but has made a bold change ahead of the next campaign. After a divisional playoff loss to the New England Patriots, in which Stroud threw four interceptions, Stroud decided to ditch his trademark dreadlocks for a clean, sharp haircut. This new appearance immediately caught the attention of fans online, sparking comparisons to Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young.
Stroud’s distinctive dreadlocks have been a recognizable feature since his college days with the Ohio State Buckeyes. Images posted this week reveal Stroud receiving a fresh fade haircut, representing a dramatic shift from his usual look.
Fans React Strongly to CJ Stroud’s New Hairstyle
The Texans quarterback’s hairstyle transformation prompted a flurry of responses on social media. Some fans speculated humorously about the reasons behind the change, linking it to his recent struggles on the field.
Bro was getting sick and tired of it 😭,
one fan remarked.
🥷 thought the locs was the problem 😭
another added.
Still the worst QB in playoff history, we see you dawg, dreadlocks or not,
commented a critic.
Cant wait for people to start making fun of this for absolutely no reason,
one more fan wrote.
Meanwhile, comparisons to Bryce Young emerged quickly from the fans observing the fresh appearance.
Is that Bryce Young !!! a fan questioned, while another noted, Looks like Bryce Young now.
Stroud Assumes Responsibility Following Playoff Setback
The Texans secured a wild card playoff berth after ending the regular season with a 13-6 record, finishing behind the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South. Stroud was instrumental in the team’s success, leading Houston to a decisive 30-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild card round. However, his performance dropped in the divisional matchup, completing only 20 of 47 passes for one touchdown and throwing four interceptions, contributing heavily to the 28-16 loss to the Patriots.
After the defeat, Stroud openly accepted accountability for his struggles during the game.
I think when (the interceptions) started to pile up, I tried my best just to stay locked in, in the spirit, and realizing I’ve just got to be there for my teammates, and they encouraged me a lot through it,
Stroud reflected following the game.
I’m really appreciative of this team and them doing that because they didn’t have to. But yeah, it was not easy. It’s something that I’m going to learn from. I’m just grateful my teammates were picking me up.
Looking Ahead: Potential For a Strong Return Next Season
Despite the recent disappointments, Stroud appears committed to learning from the experience and improving. His willingness to embrace changes both on and off the field, such as his haircut, signals a readiness to move forward and bolster his performance in the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Stroud can overcome last season’s challenges and lead the Texans deeper into the playoffs.
CJ Stroud cut his locs 😳🚨
(via houstonwigqueen, katch_a_kase/ig) pic.twitter.com/m0F5wT4rzG
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 4, 2026
0 aura / infinity picks
— BLUE WALL MEDIA (@NFL_DOINKS) February 4, 2026
Bro was getting sick and tired of it 😭 pic.twitter.com/fbuwAMttJO
— Sleeper (@SleeperHQ) February 4, 2026
🥷 thought the locs was the problem 😭
— jerry (@ionkkdeaws) February 4, 2026
Still the worst QB in playoff history, we see you dawg, dreadlocks or not
— Shin Gone (@UserFromMexico) February 4, 2026
Cant wait for people to start making fun of this for absolutely no reason
— Bucketz 🪣 (@Getting_Bucketz) February 4, 2026
Is that Bryce Young !!! pic.twitter.com/13L6rl0zzB
— TaKeMeBaCkToEdEn (@NiceTwits1) February 4, 2026
Looks like Bryce Young now
— WhoCares (@3LoLo76) February 4, 2026
