C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson bring mutual respect to Texans-Colts rivalry

The Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts have had good quarterbacks at the same time during various points in the rivalry, but never have they had two future franchise quarterbacks concurrently.

Such is the case in 2023 as the Texans used the No. 2 overall pick to draft C.J. Stroud, and the Colts selected Anthony Richardson just two slots later.

Although Richardson will lead the Colts to face Stroud’s Texans for Week 2 Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time at NRG Stadium, and the two rookies were in different conferences in college in the SEC and Big Ten, both field generals have an extensive history with one another.

“‘Ant’ [Richardson] is my guy, man,” Stroud told Houston media Wednesday. “Known him since high school. Competed against each other at Elite 11 and became real good friends there and kind of kept a relationship when he was at Florida and I was at Ohio State, and really, really happy for him.”

Richardson met with Indianapolis reporters Wednesday and similarly shared his appreciation of Stroud.

“I love C.J.,” Richardson said. “I’ve known him since high school. We went to a few camps together, been through college together — talk a lot. So whenever I see him, I always tell him he’s a GOAT, he’s a baller.”

Both rookies are looking to have better games in Week 2. Stroud didn’t throw an interception, but his 28 completions on 44 attempts for 242 yards while taking five sacks left room for improvement. Richardson was slightly better as he went 24-of-37 for 223 yards, a touchdown, an interception, and added 10 carries for 40 yards and a score on the ground.

Stroud’s effort wasn’t enough as the Baltimore Ravens prevailed 25-9. The Jacksonville Jaguars squelched Richardson and the Colts 31-21.

When Stroud and Richardson meet for Week 2, both sides will be bringing immense respect.

“I’m looking forward to playing against him and playing against their team,” Richardson said. “But, yeah, he’s definitely a dog. He’s a baller.”

“He’s always been a Hell of a player to me, and just really excited to see what he does in his career, and I’m always going to be supportive of him and be a brother and a friend to him,” Stroud said.