CJ Stroud’s ironic message to Caleb Williams resurfaces after his disastrous game vs. Patriots

Fans are piling on CJ Stroud after he laid an egg on the playoff stage against the New England Patriots.

The Houston Texans quarterback threw four interceptions in his team’s 28-16 loss to the Patriots in their divisional round matchup at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Stroud went 20/47 for 212 yards with a touchdown and the quartet of picks

Stroud got thoroughly outplayed by his Patriots counterpart, Drake Maye. The Patriots’ second-year QB had a 16/27 passing clip for 179 yards with 3 touchdowns and an interception. It’s no surprise Stroud got the meme treatment from fans after the game.

Several fans also reposted Stroud’s infamous quote to Caleb Williams. During Week 2 of last season, the Texans QB tried to give a then-rookie Williams some veteran advice despite the two being the same age. Stroud told Williams to “stop taking” big hits and that he would be a “hell of a player” in the NFL. Williams did not look at all interested in what Stroud had to say.

CJ Stroud ever since he told Caleb Williams to “stop taking those hits” pic.twitter.com/2jFPDtk6AZ

— NFL Memes (@NFLMemes) January 18, 2026

Since this photo:

CJ Stroud Caleb Williams
Pass yds 5,795 6,612
Rush yds 393 737
TDs 34 48
Ints 18 12 pic.twitter.com/CdqOuVgFxz

— Ben Devine (@Chicago_NFL) January 18, 2026

Caleb Williams to CJ Stroud after this game pic.twitter.com/o1eqnz00pH

— Dave Tepper Burner (@seniorzapo) January 18, 2026

CJ Stroud has been cursed ever since the day he big bro’d Caleb Williams.

It’s hilarious.

It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

— MontyPB (@MontyPB) January 18, 2026

With Williams seemingly surpassing Stroud on the NFL QB totem pole, many noted that Stroud’s message to Williams did not age well.

Stroud may have only had good intentions with his message to Williams, who had been struggling early in his rookie season. However, it’s ironic that the Bears’ QB has been the better passer since that moment, with Williams piling up signature performances for Chicago. Perhaps Stroud should ask Williams for some advice the next time he gets a chance.