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Stroud Leads Texans With Faith First Mindset
Clear Facts
- The Houston Texans finished the season 12-5 after an 0-3 start, earning a spot in the 2026 NFL Playoffs.
- Quarterback C.J. Stroud credits the team’s success to faith, putting God above football achievements.
- Both Stroud and Head Coach Demeco Ryans highlighted faith as central to the Texans’ journey this season.
The Houston Texans made a remarkable turnaround, rebounding from an 0-3 start to end 12-5 and secure a playoff berth. Much of the public credit may focus on athletic performance, but quarterback C.J. Stroud pointed elsewhere for the team’s inspiration.
At a recent press conference ahead of the Texans’ playoff game versus the Steelers, Stroud spent the majority of his time discussing his Christian faith rather than football tactics.
“I just got to give God the glory, man,” Stroud said.
“I look back at my life, I look back at everything I’ve been through. I know he’s had his hand on me, even in times where it doesn’t feel like it.”
He set the record straight regarding the team’s motivation for public praise, clarifying their goal extends beyond football.
“I don’t want it to ever be confused. I don’t think God is like, ‘The Texans are going to win,’ but I think regardless of win or loss, He gets the glory, and that’s up to us,” Stroud said.
“And that’s just worship.”
Stroud’s faith journey has always been apparent, dating back to his college years. Even as a two-time Heisman finalist, he relied on faith for stability.
“It’s what’s kept me grounded even through my season,” Stroud said.
“Football has a lot of ups and downs, it has a lot of twists and turns, but at the end of the day, it’s all about your foundation. And something that’s set my foundation is my faith. It’s something I’m not perfect in, but I try to work everyday to be better, and I definitely think that’s what saved me. If it helps encouraging anybody to help them in their lives, whatever they’re going through, then I’m all for it.”
Stroud now sees his platform as a means to share testimony, especially during challenging times.
“It’s just not because we all follow Jesus that we just win every game. I think it shows the world when you lose and you’re not doing well, how you profess your faith or how you go about your life when things aren’t going great is the testimony,” Stroud said.
The road hasn’t always been smooth for Stroud, who missed several games last season and this season with concussions. Nevertheless, he is steadfast in his beliefs.
“You don’t really learn on mountain tops. You know, you really, most of the time … you learn in valleys.”
Blessings this year extended throughout the organization, with both Stroud and Coach Demeco Ryans having their most successful regular seasons yet.
“The Lord has really had his hand on this team from our head coach all the way down to our players,” Stroud said.
“I’m just really grateful God has put us together on this 2025-2026 Texans team.”
Coach Ryans reinforced that sentiment through his own words.
“The light is shining bright on the Texans, but that light is really reflective of our guys’ belief in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Ryans said.
Stroud prepares to face the Steelers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the AFC Wild Card. However, he remains focused on the higher calling that guides him.
“It’s not because we want favor from the Lord, even though you know that would be nice,” Stroud said.
“I think Him giving us our talents, our abilities, and these jobs … He’s more than worthy of all the worship.”
The Texans and Steelers will play Monday night at 8 p.m. ET.
Stay tuned for more playoff updates as the Texans continue their inspiring journey of faith and determination.
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