Brett Coomer/Staff photographer
Unlike last season when he was the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud isn’t in line for any awards at Thursday night’s NFL Honors. However, the second-year pro already has gotten some recognition from an unlikely source this offseason.
Stroud received a shoutout from Travis Scott when his feature on EST Gee’s new song “Houstatlantaville” dropped on Friday. The Missouri City native made a reference to Houston and its quarterback in his first verse on the new track off EST Gee’s album “I Ain’t Feeling You.”
“In the seven, quarterbackin’ like I’m C.J.,” Scott rapped.
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The lyrics are a play on both Stroud’s jersey number, seven, and Houston’s area code, 713. Scott has referred to the city as “the seven” across his discography, but this is his first mention of Stroud in any song.
While the verse is the first mention of Stroud in a track by Scott, it’s not the first time they’ve been connected. Stroud took part in Scott’s annual celebrity softball game last February and won the MVP award from the exhibition. Stroud will be participating in the game again on Feb. 13 alongside Scott and other current NFL players CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Ramsey.
Stroud also reconnected with Scott last July before Fanatics founder Michael Rubin’s annual White Party in the Hamptons. The two played football on the beach along with Tom Brady, Odell Beckham Jr., Quavo and other celebrities.
The name drop is the first by Scott in a song but not the first for Stroud overall. Mobile, Ala., artist Rylo Rodriguez mentioned Stroud’s name in full on song “Taylor Park Junkie” featuring Lil Yachty released in 2023.
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Though this shoutout might mean more for the quarterback given his relationship with Scott, the artist’s connection to Houston and his worldwide stardom. Stroud also mentioned he was a fan after last year’s softball game.
Stroud is coming off a down season statistically with the Texans despite leading them to the AFC divisional playoffs for the second time in his short NFL tenure. The 23-year-old was still reportedly selected to the Pro Bowl Games as an alternate, where he would have joined teammates Nico Collins, Joe Mixon and Derek Stingley Jr. in competing. Stroud reportedly declined to focus on his offseason preparations.
