Houston Texans rookies C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. made history at NFL Honors this year.
The two became just the third pair of teammates to win both Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year. New York Jets wideout Garrett Wilson and cornerback Sauce Gardner both won in 2022, while New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara and cornerback Marshon Lattimore won in 2017.
Stroud was the overwhelming favorite to win his award, while Anderson edged out Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter. They were picked with sequential selections at the draft this past spring when the Texans took Stroud with the No. 2 over pick and then traded up to take Anderson at No. 3.
Teammates and the Rookies of the Year. What a moment for @CJ7STROUD and @will_anderson28 🤝❤️
📺: #NFLHonors on CBS & NFLN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/dVe8KMcmWU— NFL (@NFL) February 9, 2024
These awards are the biggest example of the drafting prowess of general manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans. Stroud proved to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league and led his team all the way to AFC South title and a playoff win, while Anderson blew up games his pass-rushing prowess.
The future is bright in Houston for a lot of reasons, but Stroud and Anderson are the two key foundational pieces for the new-look Texans.
