C.J. Stroud is only in his third NFL season, but the Houston Texans quarterback already feels like he has lost a step in the speed department.
Stroud celebrated his 24th birthday on Friday. On Thursday, a reporter asked him about the things he does to stay in shape. He spoke about the importance of maintaining a strict diet and exercise routine. The former Ohio State star then said something that caught everyone a bit off guard.
Stroud told reporters he feels like he is “getting old.”
“Where I think the explosiveness comes from is being better on my diet, being better with stretching. I feel like I’m getting old. I’m not as quick as I used to be,” Stroud said. “I was watching my high school stuff a couple days ago. I was like 180 (pounds) and I was rolling, but not no more. But, yeah, I try to just be better with that stuff so I can run fast.”
Bruh you are 23… you see what LeBron doing at 90 😂😭😭 pic.twitter.com/wGcnMJ06vT
— Eh, what’s up Doc (@rabbitSZN2) October 2, 2025
Stroud was smiling when he made the comments, so he probably knows he was speaking in hyperbole. It is also possible that he is not quite as fast now as he was in high school, especially if he weighed 180 pounds in his teenage years. The former No. 2 overall pick has bulked up and is listed at close to 220 pounds now.
Of course, Stroud does tend to view himself as being a bit older than he actually is. We were reminded of that when a video resurfaced that showed him giving some advice to Caleb Williams.
Stroud’s production has tailed off since he won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. He has just 832 passing yards, 4 touchdowns and 3 interceptions through four games this season. Maybe Stroud needs to take a visit to the Fountain of Youth.
