‘Animated’ CJ Stroud being fired up on sidelines for almost entire preseason game against Bears speaks volumes about his leadership

Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud was ecstatic to see running back Cam Akers running past Bears defenders at Hall of Fame game.

‘Animated’ CJ Stroud being fired up on sidelines for almost entire preseason game against Bears speaks volumes about his leadership

Texans CJ Stroud got animated seeing Cam Akers moves during Hall of Fame game in Canton against the Bears (Image via IMAGO/X)

If Caleb Williams aims to be a leader in the locker room, he should follow the example of CJ Stroud. The Houston Texans quarterback won over the team and the fans after a remarkable rookie campaign that ended with the Offensive Rookie of the Season award.

Stroud’s leadership was on full display on August 1, Thursday, during the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio. The Texans took on Williams’ Chicago Bears, but the disappointing thing was neither of the stars participated. Instead of playing, both stood in their team’s dugout and cheered.

YouTube video

One of Stroud’s reactions was captured by the ESPN cameras just before the 2-minute warning whistle in the first half. The Pro Bowl quarterback was pumped after seeing running back Cam Akers’ defense-splitting run.

FS Video

The footage showed Stroud jumping up and down near the touchline shouting and fist-bumping the air in excitement.

Unfortunately for Stroud, the Texans lost the game 21-17. Backups Davis Mills, Case Keenum, and Tim Boyle combined threw more than 190 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Brett Rypien threw for 166 yards and 3 touchdowns for the Bears.

CJ Stroud cares more about a preseason game than the Cowboys care about their playoff games.
@MLFootball also shared the same video with a cheeky dig at Jerry Jones’ Cowboys

Stroud went further in the playoffs last season while the Cowboys faltered at the first hurdle. They lost in the NFC wild-card round against the Green Bay Packers.

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The Texans’ aim in 2024 will be to better their last season’s record. They already possess an exciting receiver core of Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Noah Brown, and Xavier Hutchinson.

'Animated' CJ Stroud being fired up on sidelines for almost entire preseason game against Bears speaks volumes about his leadership
CJ Stroud (Image via IMAGO)

In the offseason, they turned a lot of heads after announcing the inclusion of 4 time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs. The veteran wideout left the Buffalo Bills after reportedly experiencing a fallout with the locker room.

Diggs has been training with Stroud and his fellow receivers ever since joining the team. He wants to build connections and rapport with all of them before the new season starts. According to reports, Diggs and Stroud seemed to be gelling well together.

I'm not going to say everything is perfect, but you see us kind of getting on that same page here and there. Getting on the same page play after play, and that communication… I feel like that's going to separate it, seeing that we have such a small period of time.
Stefon Diggs said per ESPN.com

The Texans kick off their pre-season campaign against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 9.

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