NFL legend Peyton Manning shares thoughts on former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud
Former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud has had a pretty remarkable start to his NFL career. He was the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year and has led the Houston Texans to two straight playoff appearances. Of course, as with many sports fans, they want more and they want it now.
Stroud took some criticism in his second season, as it seemed like a bit of a regression, but NFL legend Peyton Manning begs to differ. In an event with Fanatics, both Peyton and Eli Manning took the stage with Stroud, Bryce Young, and Celeb Williams. In a matter of just 63 seconds, Peyton heaped the praise on Stroud, shutting down anyone who thinks he isn't doing enough.
"...I didn't win a playoff game 'til my sixth year. He's two for two." - Peyton Manning
Manning talked about how hard it is to come into the league and play well as a rookie, and then began the compliments of how well the former Buckeye prepares in watching film and doing study. He continued on comparing Stroud's beginning to his own NFL start, saying, "He went to the playoffs in his second year. He was 22. Let's be careful saying it was a down year. I didn't win a playoff game 'til my sixth year. He's two for two."
That's big time coming from one of the all-time NFL greats. While Stroud's numbers weren't as strong in year two, throwing for fewer yards and touchdowns and more than doubling his interceptions, he also had to navigate a number of injuries to his offensive line (he was sacked 52 times, which was second most in the NFL) as well as injuries to his top three receivers. Manning also points out that after such a strong rookie campaign, teams had more film to watch to make adjustments.
The Texans are looking to build on the success of the past two seasons and have added some more firepower to the team. With a healthy roster, Stroud is poised to take another step forward in his third year.
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