Texans QB C.J. Stroud named AP 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year

It would be an understatement to say the Houston Texans found their franchise quarterback. They drafted a star.

C.J. Stroud took home the Associated Press 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award Thursday night at NFL Honors.

The No. 2 overall pick became the first Texans player in franchise history to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

The quarterback wasn't the only Texans rookie to take home hardware Thursday evening. Edge rusher Will Anderson earned top defensive rookie honors, as well. It marks back-to-back season that the Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year came from the same team following the Jets' Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner in 2022. Stroud and Anderson are the fourth teammates to win the awards in NFL History, joining the 1967 Lions, 2017 Saints and 2022 Jets.

Stroud, who garnered 48 of 50 first-place votes, took home 246 points from voters, ahead of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (154, two first-place votes) and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (40). Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (four), Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (three) and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed and Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice also received votes.

The Ohio State product was sensational out of the gate, divebombing defenses into submission. Stroud showed poise beyond his years, comfort in the pocket, deftly avoiding rushers with subtle movements, and getting through his reads with aplomb. At times, he evoked memories of Drew Brees.

Stroud didn't play like a rookie, barely making mistakes and navigating a banged-up offensive line for parts of the season. Despite injuries to his blockers and receivers, the rookie just plugged