Texans Keep Rolling, But C.J. Stroud’s Postgame Moment with Owner Cal McNair Steals the Spotlight
The Houston Texans are officially in the playoff hunt-and they’re doing it with swagger. Sunday night’s 20-10 win over the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs wasn’t just a statement. It was a warning shot to the rest of the AFC: this team is for real.
But while the defense dominated and C.J. Stroud did just enough to guide the offense, it was a brief moment after the game that had social media buzzing.
As the Texans celebrated a massive road win on Sunday Night Football, cameras caught Stroud appearing to snub a high-five from team owner Cal McNair. Intentional or not, the clip went viral almost instantly-and given the complicated relationship between Houston fans and the McNair family, it didn’t take long for the internet to run with it.
A Win That Spoke Volumes
Let’s start with the football, because that’s where this story really begins. The Texans didn’t just beat the Chiefs-they frustrated them.
Houston’s defense, led by head coach DeMeco Ryans’ aggressive, disciplined scheme, bottled up Patrick Mahomes and left star tight end Travis Kelce so frustrated he skipped his postgame media availability. That’s not something you see often from one of the league’s most composed veterans.
C.J. Stroud, meanwhile, didn’t light up the scoreboard, but he didn’t need to.
The rookie quarterback finished with 203 passing yards and a touchdown-efficient, mistake-free football that kept the chains moving and the pressure on Kansas City. It wasn’t the MVP-level explosion we saw earlier in the season, but it was the kind of performance that wins games in December.
At 8-5, the Texans now control their own destiny. They’re just one game back of the 9-4 Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South, and if they win out, a playoff berth is guaranteed-whether it’s as a division champ or a wild card.
A Moment of Awkwardness-or Something More?
Now, about that postgame moment.
As players and staff exchanged high-fives and hugs after the win, McNair extended his hand toward Stroud. The quarterback walked right past him.
No handshake. No eye contact.
Just a clean, cold bypass that instantly lit up social media with speculation.
There’s no official word on whether it was intentional-Stroud didn’t comment on it, and neither did McNair-but the clip struck a chord with fans. It’s no secret that McNair hasn’t always been the most popular figure in Houston, especially after a stretch of questionable leadership decisions that included giving former head coach Bill O’Brien general manager powers in 2019. That move led to a front-office power struggle and, eventually, O’Brien’s firing midway through the 2020 season.
Since then, the Texans cycled through two one-and-done head coaches-David Culley and Lovie Smith-before finally hitting on the right hire in DeMeco Ryans. Alongside GM Nick Caserio, McNair’s decision to bring in Ryans in 2023 has paid off in a big way. The Texans are playing with purpose, discipline, and belief-three things that were missing from this franchise just two years ago.
So, whether Stroud’s postgame moment was a snub or just a miss in the chaos of celebration, it’s hard to ignore the symbolism. The Texans’ success right now feels like it’s being driven by the players and coaches more than anything coming from the top of the organization.
Stroud and Ryans: The Duo Driving the Turnaround
C.J. Stroud may not be putting up video game numbers every week, but he’s doing what great quarterbacks do-making the right decisions, protecting the football, and delivering in key moments. His poise under pressure has been remarkable for a 24-year-old rookie, and his chemistry with Ryans is a big reason this team has turned the corner so quickly.
Ryans, for his part, continues to show why he was one of the most coveted coaching candidates in recent memory. His defense is fast, physical, and fundamentally sound.
More importantly, he’s built a culture that players have clearly bought into. That’s no small feat in a locker room that, not long ago, was defined by instability and frustration.
What’s Next?
With just a few weeks left in the regular season, the Texans are in the thick of the playoff race. The margin for error is slim, but the path is clear. If they keep playing the way they did in Kansas City-leaning on their defense, protecting the football, and staying composed-they’ll be playing meaningful football in January.
And as for the postgame drama? That’ll fade.
Wins have a way of quieting the noise. But if this team keeps rolling, don’t be surprised if that viral clip becomes just another footnote in what’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting turnarounds in the NFL this season.