C.J. Stroud understands that his emotions could run high when the Houston Texans take the field at Arrowhead Stadium.
How could they not for the second-year quarterback? The last time he was here, Houston watched as wide receiver Tank Dell was carted off with a season-ending knee injury.
Not only is Dell Stroud’s best friend, but he’s a constant force in the passing game. And barring a speedy recovery, Dell isn’t expected back until potentially 2026.
But the Texans are more than Dell. They’re more than Stroud. They’re also more than a doormat or “final practice” for Kansas City en route to a sixth consecutive AFC championship appearance.
So Stroud knows that even with Dell in his heart, a victory is the top thing on his mind. That the motivation needed for Houston to strike.
“We’ve got to go do it for him away in the same stadium he got hurt. We’ve got to find a way to not get emotional and channel that,” Stroud said Tuesday. “I think we’ll be able to do that. It will be more inspiring than anything, and we’ll try to get it done for him.”
Looking back, Dell’s injury was the turning point in Week 16’s 27-19 loss. Houston pulled within a point after the 30-yard score with 11:40 left in the third quarter. Medical assistance slowed down the game, but the severity of the play slowed down Houston’s momentum.
CJ Stroud brought up the traumatizing 2019 season divisional round loss to the Chiefs when talking about watching players in games like this growing up 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/Pa0jVySMAt
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) January 14, 2025
Ka’imi Fairbairn missed the PAT to make it 17-16. Two drives later, Chiefs rookie receiver Xavier Worthy punched in an 8-yard touchdown as Kansas City coasted.
The offense struggled the rest of the afternoon, totaling 39 yards on three drives that resulted in a pair of three-and-outs.
Dell won’t make the trip with Houston to Arrowhead, but he did stop by to see the team before Saturday’s win over the Chargers. He was on crutches while wearing a large brace around his knee on the sidelines during pregame, but it seems like he was in high spirits.
That jolted life into the locker room, according to Stroud. Three hours later, Houston was moving on after a double-digit victory.
“Tank means a lot to our team. As you see with the guys, seeing him on the sideline, seeing the T-shirts, it’s real love,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “And everybody loves Tank. And I love Tank. We miss him”
CJ Stroud on the Tank Dell shirts he & his teammates wore pregame vs the Chargers:
“It reminds me of, like the funeral shirts” 🤣 pic.twitter.com/OBPiFRI17b
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) January 14, 2025
With a win, the Texans would advance to their first conference championship appearance in franchise history. Even as an 8-point underdog, most fans believe beating the Chiefs is an easier path than traveling to take on the Buffalo Bills or Baltimore Ravens.
Stroud said the offense has to be on its “A-game” to secure a win. The margin of error is thin against the back-to-back Super Bowl champions.
“This team is really motivated to go out there and play some good ball against a great Kansas City team that’s been in these moments forever,” Strous said. “We know it’s going to take all of us.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN and ABC.
