CJ Stroud’s 2025 NFL season ended in disappointment as the Houston Texans were defeated by the New England Patriots, 28-16, in the Divisional Round. Struggling under harsh weather conditions, Stroud threw four interceptions, marking the most turnovers he has ever recorded in a single game, and finished with a career-low passer rating of 28.0. Despite this difficult conclusion, Stroud shared on Sunday at the Global Humanitarian Awards in Houston that he finds value in the adversity he experienced.
Expressing Gratitude Amidst Setbacks
Five weeks after the loss, while dressed in a tuxedo rather than football gear, Stroud offered an impromptu speech focusing on faith and perseverance. He acknowledged the disappointing outcome with humility and emphasized the importance of how he responds to challenges in public.
“Of course, my last game didn’t go the way I wanted it to,”
Stroud said, speaking to Fox26 Houston.
“Of course, I wish I had plays back, but I’m OK 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.”
Support from Teammates and Community Continues
Despite the playoff setbacks marking the Texans’ third straight Divisional Round exit—and leaving the franchise still searching for its first appearance in a conference championship game—Stroud has not lacked encouragement. Teammates like wide receiver Nico Collins and tight end Dalton Schultz have publicly backed him, reinforcing belief in his talent and future with Houston.
While some trade discussions surfaced in the aftermath of the playoff defeat, no credible reports have confirmed any imminent moves involving Stroud.
Stroud also expressed his contentment with his role in Houston, the organization that selected him with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
“I’m so grateful to be in Houston,”
he said.
This city has welcomed my family with open arms.
Looking Forward: Growth Through Adversity
The painful memories of the 2025 postseason remain vivid, but Stroud believes these hardships are essential to his development as a player and a person. He is committed to using this experience as motivation for improvement in the upcoming season.
“I’m just grateful for the suffering,”
Stroud added.
“Not only the suffering that people don’t see, but also the suffering that people also do [see].”
As the NFL community prepares for the 2026 Scouting Combine starting on February 26, coverage on NFL Network and NFL+ will spotlight emerging talent, while Stroud readies himself for his next opportunity to lead Houston toward postseason success.
