Texans QB C.J. Stroud prides himself on teammates’ success

What spectators have noticed about C.J. Stroud is his penchant for ball distribution. What the Houston Texans rookie quarterback can’t tell anyone is when the talent specifically developed.

The No. 2 overall pick met with reporters Nov. 22 and reflected on when he discovered his trait for effective ball distribution.

“Probably, honestly, growing up and playing in the street, kind of whoever was open was going to get the ball,” said Stroud. “I don’t know, I like to feed my guys that put in work every week, and I see it, physically. I get to see them work their tail off from the morning all the way until we leave here, and on top of that, dudes are watching film at home. So, I take pride in getting guys paid and making them feel their worth on the field.”

Nico Collins is enjoying the benefits of Stroud with 43 catches for 696 yards and four touchdowns. Rookie receiver Tank Dell is not far behind with 42 catches for 659 yards and a team-high six touchdowns. Even free agent Noah Brown is on the verge of matching career highs from a year ago with 21 catches for 439 yards and a touchdown.

The furthest Stroud believes he developed the ball distribution knack was at Rancho Cucamonga High School in southern California.

Said Stroud: “I don’t know, I’ve probably been thinking like that since high school. Guys wanting to get scholarships and stuff like that, my friends. These are my best friends at the time, so it probably would have meant even more. And just like I cared then, I care about that now. So, it’s been really cool to see every week somebody doing really well.”

The Texans get back into action Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a 12:00 p.m. Central Time kickoff from NRG Stadium.