C.J. Stroud doesn’t like to force things. The rookie quarterback has been successful allowing things to come to him.
That isn’t to say passivity has been Stroud’s calling card either. The No. 2 overall pick has shown initiative with his play and provided a definition of what opponents can expect when No. 7 is under center.
Similarly the rookie has emphasized in the locker room inside NRG Stadium traits that he hopes teammates pick up quickly when interacting with Stroud.
“The main thing I want to be is somebody they can trust, a trustworthy person, and somebody who they know they can trust through thick and thin,” Stroud told reporters Nov. 15. “I think that’s where it starts and ends for me, because you can put 50 categories in that word ‘trust’ on what they trust you for. So, for me, that’s probably the biggest thing.”
Stroud knows the quarterback position engenders leadership. However, the former Ohio State product doesn’t want his teammates to follow him because his position demands it.
Said Stroud: “I don’t want to ever force myself on anybody or make it feel like just because I’m the quarterback, you guys have got to follow my lead. I want it to be natural and thorough, and I feel like I’ve done that a little bit, but I’m still trying to keep that going. So, it’s been amazing just having them have my back through everything, and every time I address the team or have something to say, they always listen.”
Through nine games, Stroud believes he is, “building it” and that the results thus far have been, “been pretty cool to see.”
Houston gets back in action Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time at NRG Stadium for Week 11.
