For as long as their NFL careers last, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young and Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud will remain intertwined. Young and Stroud were both Heisman Trophy finalists in 2022, and just months later, they were selected first and second overall respectively in the 2023 NFL Draft. Beyond that, they’re friends off the field who have consistently stepped up to bat for one another.
After the Texans and Panthers had a joint practice on Thursday afternoon, ahead of this weekend’s preseason clash between the two teams, both Young and Stroud were asked about their peer on the other side of the field. But surprisingly, Stroud went beyond the friendly platitudes we typically hear in situations such as this one.
In fact, CJ Stroud delivered what is known nowadays as a hot take, even if it’s one he stands by wholeheartedly.
“He’s a heck of a player. One of the best quarterbacks I’ve ever seen in my life,” Stroud told reporters. “I’m just really proud of that guy, and just the same way he said about me, through every up and down, through every valley and peak, he’s stayed the same guy. Stayed loyal, stayed a friend and a brother and I’m appreciative.”
Hyperbole aside, Stroud is not wrong about one thing that he alluded to… Bryce Young’s bounce back in 2024 said a whole lot about the character of the former Alabama star. Coming off of a disastrous rookie season, Young’s spot as the starting quarterback of the Panthers was threatened right out of the gate. In truth, there was no guarantee he’d ever regain it. But never once did he stop working or stop learning, and in the end, Young proved for at least one more season, he’s someone the Panthers should continue evaluating as their long term answer at QB.
Bryce Young Returns the Favor, Speaks Highly of CJ Stroud
On the Carolina side of things, Bryce Young stepped up and spoke to the media after Thursday’s joint practice as well, and as expected, he didn’t hold back on his praise of the Texans star quarterback, who was recently ranked as a top ten quarterback in the NFL per Mike Sando’s annual QB Tiers.
“That’s my brother,” Young said of Stroud. “We’re out here living our dreams. We see how hard we worked, I know how hard C.J. [worked], I’ve followed his journey… To see where he’s at now, I’m super proud of him. It means a lot, I’m always rooting for him. That’s my guy.”
In their first season as pros, Young and Stroud went head to head, and surprisingly, it was Young and the Panthers who exited with a win. Stroud threw for only 140 yards, well below his season average of 273 yards per game. Meanwhile, Young played arguably the best game of his rookie season, completing 22 of 31 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown.
Like Bryce Young, CJ Stroud Shooting For Bounce Back Season
Although it wasn’t nearly as discouraging as Bryce Young’s rookie season in Carolina was, CJ Stroud’s sophomore season in Houston left a lot to be desired. Stroud saw his numbers drop across the board last season as his offensive line fell apart and his offensive coordinator fell out of favor. Now, both the O-Line and the coaching staff have been revamped, and it’s possible that Stroud will return to rookie season form.
“C.J., he’s looking forward to it,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said of Stroud at the beginning of training camp. “I think he’s done a really fantastic job so far. [Offensive Coordinator Nick] Caley has done a really great job working with him. They’re getting on the same page, making sure the terminology, everything makes sense so we can get in and out of the huddle fast and play fast and operate clean. We been doing that.”
Houston’s defense is championship caliber, so if Stroud and the Texans offense can get back on track — even as just an average unit in 2025 — that could mean the Texans make a return trip to the Divisional Round, and maybe even beyond.
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