(Video) Emotional Texans QB CJ Stroud tears up seeing injured Tank Dell and offered prayers
Texans QB CJ Stroud broke down after his touchdown pass led to Tank Dell's knee injury, landing the WR in the hospital.
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CJ Stroud in tears seeing Tank Dell in pain (Image via IMAGO/X)
The clock stopped at 11:40 at the start of the fourth quarter. Everyone associated with the Houston Texans celebrated a CJ Stroud touchdown around the country, except for one. Stroud’s best friend, Tank Dell, held his right hand up to catch the attention of his teammates at him.
It did not take long for players, coaches, and the medical team to flock to the area to check what was wrong. The second-year wide receiver lay on the turf, now clutching his left knee and screaming in pain. It was dislocated.
Dell caught Stroud’s pass to give the Texans a fighting chance against the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, but in the process badly hurt his knee.
An ambulance was called in to take Dell away for further examination in a nearby hospital. Cameras caught Texans quarterback CJ Stroud balling his eyes out and being consoled by his teammates. Running back Joe Mixon walked up to him and did his best to calm the 23-year-old down.
Man, a gutwrenching injury for Tank Dell. CJ Stroud was emotional on the field. pic.twitter.com/CcvEnfQfRP
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) December 21, 2024
Later, the pair were seen kneeling down and offering prayer for Dell as the ambulance carted him away.
CJ Stroud very very emotional. Wayne taking it hard. Tough ask to get these guys to regroup right now. They miss the kick. His first missed XP of the year and the chance to tie. So awful pic.twitter.com/UyAyhoCBaX
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) December 21, 2024
CJ Stroud’s reaction to Tank Dell’s horrifying knee injury
The Texans drafted both Stroud and Dell in 2023, and they formed a close relationship. Stroud even considers the Houston graduate to be his brother. Naturally, seeing his close friend down on the ground in pain made Stroud emotional.
After the game, reporters wanted a reaction from the former second-overall pick about Dell’s injury.
It’s not easy seeing your brother go down like that. All you can do is really pray. That’s my best friend. It’s not easy to move on and keep playing, but I tried to do the best I could. My teammates held me up… I appreciate those guys talking to me because I was going through it.
CJ Stroud said via Will Kunkel of Fox Houston
A very emotional C.J. Stroud struggles to find words when talking about the Tank Dell injury.
— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) December 21, 2024
“We serve a miraculous God…”
“I’m tore up but I gotta be strong for him.” pic.twitter.com/BiVfjNfm8k
Stroud wasn’t the only one going through the emotions. Mixon, who switched Cincinnati for Texas this year, echoed the same.
You never wanna see injuries like that. That’s your brother right there screaming in pain. There’s really nothing you can do. It sucks.
Joe Mixon said
An emotional Joe Mixon on Tank Dell and what he tried to tell his teammate while he tried to comfort him on the turf. pic.twitter.com/c0BTvrGN5N
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) December 21, 2024
Star wide receiver Nico Collins caught 7 passes for 60 yards on the night. He wished Dell a speedy recovery.
He’s that guy to make us smile when everything’s not going as good. I just hope my dawg’s doing good.
Nico Collins said
Nico Collins reacting to the Tank Dell injury. pic.twitter.com/1KrRaeuFmt
— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) December 21, 2024
Tank Dell caught 6 passes for 98 yards and scored the touchdown before breaking his knee. Stroud threw 23 completions from 39 attempts for 244 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.
The loss decreased the Texans’ chances of reaching the playoffs but wins over the already-qualified Baltimore Ravens and the 3-11 Tennessee Titans will surely give them an edge over their peers.
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Ishan Misra
(3107 Articles Published)