On March 22, 2025, NFL legend J.J. Watt opened up about the advice he gave to Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud following a noticeable “step back” in Stroud’s performance during the 2024 NFL season. Watt, a former Texans superstar and one of the most dominant defensive players in league history, has been a vocal supporter of Stroud since the young quarterback’s arrival in Houston. However, after a sophomore slump that saw Stroud struggle with consistency and offensive line protection, Watt shared his insights on how the 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year can reclaim his elite form and lead the Texans to greater heights in 2025.

C.J. Stroud’s Remarkable Rookie Season Set a High Bar

C.J. Stroud burst onto the NFL scene in 2023 with one of the most impressive rookie seasons for a quarterback in league history. Selected second overall by the Houston Texans in the 2023 NFL Draft, Stroud quickly proved he was a franchise cornerstone. He completed 63.9% of his passes for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, earning a 100.8 passer rating. Stroud led the NFL in passing yards per game (273.8) and had the lowest interception rate (1.0%) among qualified quarterbacks. His 4,108 passing yards were the third-most by a rookie quarterback in NFL history, and he became the highest-drafted rookie quarterback (No. 2 overall) to win a playoff game.

Stroud’s poise and command of the Texans’ offense were evident as he led the team to an 11-6 record, an AFC South division title, and a wild-card round victory over the Cleveland Browns. His performance earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, and J.J. Watt himself called it the “best rookie quarterback season of all time.” The Texans, under the leadership of Stroud and rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans, matched their win total from the previous three seasons combined (2020-2022), signaling a dramatic turnaround for a franchise that had struggled in recent years.

A Step Back in 2024: What Went Wrong?

Expectations were sky-high for Stroud heading into the 2024 season. The Texans bolstered their roster with key acquisitions like wide receiver Stefon Diggs, running back Joe Mixon, and defensive end Danielle Hunter, positioning themselves as Super Bowl contenders. However, Stroud’s sophomore campaign didn’t live up to the hype. He completed 63.2% of his passes for 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions over 17 regular-season games—a noticeable decline from his rookie year. His touchdown-to-interception ratio dropped from 4.6 to 1.67, and he was sacked 52 times, the second-most in the NFL, highlighting significant issues with the Texans’ offensive line.

Injuries to key receivers like Stefon Diggs (ACL tear after eight games) and Tank Dell (devastating knee injury) played a role in Stroud’s regression. The Texans’ offense averaged just 15.6 points per game over their final five contests, and Stroud failed to record a top-10 fantasy quarterback finish after Week 4. In the playoffs, the Texans advanced past the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card Round but fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round, 23-14. Stroud completed 19 of 28 passes for 245 yards in the loss but was sacked eight times, including three by Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis. The game underscored the Texans’ inability to protect their young quarterback, as Stroud needed assistance to leave the field after a late-game sack.

J.J. Watt’s Advice: Leadership, Protection, and Playmaking

J.J. Watt, who has closely followed the Texans’ resurgence, addressed Stroud’s challenges in a recent interview. Watt, now a CBS analyst, emphasized that Stroud’s struggles in 2024 were not a reflection of diminished talent but rather a combination of external factors and the natural growing pains of a young quarterback. “C.J. had an unbelievable rookie year, and sometimes that sets an unrealistic bar,” Watt said. “He’s still a phenomenal player, but the league adjusts. Defenses had a full year of tape on him, and the Texans’ offensive line took a step back. That’s where the focus needs to be.”

Watt’s primary piece of advice for Stroud centered on leadership. “He needs to keep doing what he’s been doing—leading his guys, being a great teammate, and distributing the ball all over the field,” Watt explained. Stroud’s ability to command the offense as a rookie was a key factor in his success, and Watt believes that maintaining that poise will be crucial as Stroud enters his third season. “He’s got the intangibles. He’s got the work ethic. Now it’s about refining the details and growing into the leader this team needs for the long haul.”

Watt also stressed the importance of improving the Texans’ offensive line to better protect Stroud. In 2024, Stroud’s average time to throw was 3.10 seconds, the ninth-longest in the NFL, and he faced pressure on 39.4% of his dropbacks, the sixth-highest rate among qualified quarterbacks. This was a stark contrast to his rookie year, when he faced pressure on just 35% of his dropbacks. “The Texans have to prioritize upgrading his protection this offseason,” Watt said. “You can’t have your franchise quarterback getting sacked 52 times in a season. It’s not sustainable, and it takes a toll physically and mentally.”

Finally, Watt encouraged Stroud to lean on his playmakers, even with the loss of key receivers. “He’s got Nico Collins, who’s a star, and the Texans will likely add more weapons in the offseason,” Watt noted. “C.J. needs to trust his guys and spread the ball around. That’s what makes defensive coordinators lose sleep.” Despite the challenges of 2024, Watt remains confident in Stroud’s ability to bounce back. “He’s got all the tools to be an MVP-caliber quarterback. This year was a learning experience, and I have no doubt he’ll come back stronger.”

The Road Ahead for C.J. Stroud and the Texans

The Houston Texans finished the 2024 season with a 10-7 record, securing a playoff berth for the second consecutive year. While the season was a step forward in terms of consistency, the offensive struggles and playoff loss to the Chiefs highlighted areas for improvement. Head coach DeMeco Ryans, who has been praised by Watt for bringing stability and leadership to the franchise, will play a pivotal role in Stroud’s development. Ryans has already expressed a clear goal for the offseason: “Elevate C.J. Stroud and the offense.”

The Texans are expected to target offensive line help in free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft, with the addition of left tackle Cam Robinson already signaling their intent to bolster protection. Additionally, the team faces decisions regarding Stefon Diggs, who may leave in free agency, and Tank Dell, who could miss the entire 2025 season due to his knee injury. General manager Nick Caserio will need to get creative to add weapons around Stroud, especially with limited cap space.

For Stroud, the 2024 season was a humbling experience, but it also provided valuable lessons. His ability to handle adversity, as evidenced by his post-game demeanor after the Chiefs loss, earned him praise from fans and analysts alike. With Watt’s advice in mind, Stroud has a clear roadmap for success: lead with confidence, trust his playmakers, and work with the organization to ensure he’s protected in the pocket.

A Bright Future Awaits

C.J. Stroud’s journey in the NFL is far from over. At just 23 years old, he has already accomplished more than most quarterbacks dream of, and his potential remains sky-high. J.J. Watt’s advice serves as a reminder that even the best players face setbacks, but it’s how they respond that defines their legacy. As Stroud prepares for the 2025 season, the football world will be watching to see if he can reclaim his rookie-year magic and lead the Texans to a Super Bowl. With Watt’s guidance and a renewed focus on improvement, Stroud is poised to take the next step toward greatness.