CJ Stroud hasn’t been in Houston long, but he’s already rewriting the Texans’ history books-and doing it with a swagger that’s impossible to ignore. Through just 43 games, the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has done more than flash potential; he’s built a résumé that’s quickly putting him in the conversation as the greatest quarterback the franchise has ever seen.
Now, let’s be real-Houston’s NFL history only dates back to 2002, so the bar for “all-time franchise great” is still within reach for a young star. But even with that context, what Stroud’s accomplished in just two and a half seasons is eye-opening. He’s not just winning games; he’s stacking accolades, lifting the Texans to division titles, playoff wins, and now climbing the franchise’s all-time passing leaderboards.
Stroud currently sits fourth in Texans history in both passing yards and touchdowns, trailing only Matt Schaub, Deshaun Watson, and David Carr. But with 58 career touchdown passes in 43 games, he’s not just chasing records-he’s on pace to obliterate them. If he keeps this pace, he could own both the franchise’s all-time touchdown and passing yardage marks within the next three seasons.
And he’s got a shot at moving up that list as soon as this weekend. With two more touchdown passes against the Las Vegas Raiders, Stroud will surpass David Carr-the team’s inaugural draft pick and original franchise quarterback-in career passing touchdowns.
That’s more than a symbolic milestone. It’s a moment that signals the passing of the torch to a new era in Texans football, one that’s being defined by Stroud’s poise, precision, and playmaking.
The matchup sets up well for him. The Raiders head into Week 16 ranked 25th in points allowed per game and 31st in opponent completion percentage. Combine that with the Texans’ offensive rhythm last week against Arizona, and you’ve got a recipe for another big day at NRG Stadium.
Stroud’s chemistry with wideout Nico Collins continues to be a major storyline, and the two could be adding to the record books together once again. If Collins hauls in one touchdown on Sunday, he’ll break a tie with Kevin Walter and Will Fuller for fourth-most receiving touchdowns in franchise history. It’s another example of how this young duo is not just producing-they’re building something lasting.
Stroud, ever the leader, had nothing but praise for his go-to receiver after Collins hit the 1,000-yard mark for the third straight season.
“I’m just super proud of Nico. That’s my brother, man,” Stroud said. “I think he’s one of the best in the league, and he’s that proven every year.”
Collins echoed the mutual respect, calling Stroud a game-changer.
“When 7 on, he on, and you see it,” Collins said. “I feel like, when he gets hot, he’s probably the best-he is the best quarterback.
Dude’s special in all levels, and I’m glad he’s here. I’m glad he’s a Texan, for sure.”
That kind of synergy between quarterback and receiver is rare-and when it clicks this early in their careers, it’s the kind of thing that can define a franchise’s identity for years to come.
So, while CJ Stroud’s Texans journey is still in its early chapters, the story he’s writing feels like something special. And if Sunday goes the way it’s trending, another page in the record book is about to have his name on it.