How Strong Public Perception Forced CJ Stroud to Chop His Hair

CJ Stroud claimed that he was slightly surprised to hear that fans thought he was depressed after seeing him with a new haircut.

How Strong Public Perception Forced CJ Stroud to Chop His Hair

CJ Stroud cut his hair (Image via IMAGO/X)

In Short
  • CJ Stroud cut his hair after the Texans' playoff exit, dispelling rumors of depression.
  • He had considered the haircut for months but delayed due to playoff commitments.
  • Stroud's performance has been scrutinized, making the upcoming season crucial for his future with the Texans.

CJ Stroud cutting off his hair sent mixed signals to the Houston Texans fans. Many felt Stroud could be depressed, given that his last two seasons were nowhere close to the level of his rookie campaign.

But that’s not true. Stroud getting rid of his braids has nothing to do with his dwindling league numbers. In fact, he was thinking about cutting his hair a lot earlier. It’s just that he didn’t have much alone time due to the playoffs.

After the Texans were knocked out, Stroud finally had the chance to cut his hair.

I was told people thought that I was depressed or that I was like — I wasn’t. was doing OK. I had been thinking about cutting my hair for a long time. I was actually going to do it months prior but I wasn’t sure how my helmet was going to fit. So, nothing really too serious. I’m kinda used to this haircut. It’s how I grew up. The dreads were kinda a new thing.

CJ Stroud told the reporters on Thursday

In February, a couple of weeks after the Texans’ exit from the playoffs, Stroud attended a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Intuit Dome, proudly displaying his new avatar. It sent social media into a frenzy, thinking that he may be depressed because of how the season ended.

Stroud missed three games last year due to minor injuries. He went 9-5 in 14 starts, completed 273 passes for 3041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. In the postseason, he threw 41 completions (51.9%) for 462 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. He’s 3-3 in the playoffs.

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CJ Stroud’s honest thoughts about his new haircut

The Texans drafted Stroud second overall in 2023. He went 9-6 that year, completed 319 passes for 4108 yards, a league best 273.6 yards per game, 23 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions, earned Pro Bowl honors, and was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year.

How Strong Public Perception Forced CJ Stroud to Chop His Hair
CJ Stroud (Image via IMAGO)

The following year, Stroud registered a 10-7 record, but threw fewer touchdowns (20) and more interceptions (12) than he had in his rookie year. He was also sacked 52 times, fumbled the ball 6 times, and lost possession 4 times.

After failing to lead the Texans for a third straight year, fans and analysts started questioning whether he had peaked during his rookie year. Despite the lackluster performance, the Texans still exercised the fifth-year option in his contract.

That doesn’t imply his job is safe. Rather, it’s a prove-it year for the 24-year-old signal caller. Before getting straight into business, Stroud settled for a new makeover. He cut his hair.

The team, people who have met me in recent [years], like three to four years, they are like ‘Dang, you look different. But my brothers, my sisters, my mom, my dad, my close friends from home, they are all like ‘It looks like you‘.

Stroud said

The Texans will be counting on Stroud to help them to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance.

Former NFL general manager gets real about CJ Stroud’s future with the Texans

Quarterback is the most sought-after position and the hardest position to play on a football team. And that’s the reason quarterbacks earn more money than anyone else.

Stroud is still on his rookie contract and is set to earn around $5.4 million in 2026. Depending on his performance in the upcoming season, the Texans will make their decision whether to sign him to a longer contract. The opposite is also plausible. If he fails to meet expectations, then it won’t surprise anyone if Stroud loses his job and place on the roster.

However, Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon, on CBS Sports, argued that Stroud’s future is safe.

I don’t think that it’s a make-it-or-break-it year for C.J. Stroud. I think he has been good enough. He’s had them in the playoffs…. The consistent thing for all these organizations that are winning right now is that you have consistency at the quarterback position and the head coach position.

Carthon said

After playing three pre-season games against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Carolina Panthers, the Texans are going to kick off the regular season by hosting the Buffalo Bills in Houston.

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