QB C.J. Stroud named AP 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, follows WR Garrett Wilson

colin gay, columbus dispatch

Fri, Feb 9, 2024, 1:34 PM·3 min read

After two seasons as Ohio State's starting quarterback, C.J. Stroud started his NFL career in award-winning fashion.

Stroud, the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NFL draft by the Houston Texans, was named as the Associated Press' Offensive Rookie of the Year Thursday at he NFL Honors award show, beating out Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson.

Stroud was also named to the Pro Bowl and was the Pro Football Writers' Association's Offensive Rookie and Rookie of the Year.

"First and foremost, I just want to give all glory and praise to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ," Stroud said in his acceptance speech. "I would like to thank the Texans organization, all the way to the McNairs, Nick Caserio, DeMeco Ryans. Y'all trusted in me by drafting me number two and I appreciate that and it will never go misunderstood. I appreciate y'all.

"Secondly, I want to thank my family − my mother, my father, my brother, my sister. Y'all have been my rock since I was a kid and I love y'all so much. I want to thank Ohio State and coach (Ryan) Day, Todd Fitch. A ton of Buckeyes out here have given me nothing but support and show a young kid some love 2,000 miles from home.

C.J. Stroud led the Texans to their seventh AFC South title, and their first since 2019.

"I want to thank back home, southern California... I'm a true Cali kid. Everything y'all taught me. It took a village to raise me, and I appreciate that. This honor means a lot. And whatever kid is out here watching, you can do anything you put your mind to, man. I'm a living testimony to perseverance and just trusting your goals and your dreams."

Stroud is the second consecutive Ohio State player to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, following New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Stroud is one of three Ohio State players to win the award, joining Wilson and Houston Oilers running back Eddie George (1996).

Stroud is one of 11 former OSU athletes to be honored with one of the AP's top awards for NFL players.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud waves to fans during Ohio State's game against Penn State on Oct. 21.

C.J. Stroud NFL stats: How did the OSU QB do for the Houston Texans?

Stroud led the Texans to their seventh AFC South title, and their first since 2019. He recorded 4,108 passing yards with a 63.9% completion rate. He threw 23 touchdowns and five interceptions along with three rushing touchdowns.

Stroud had six games with more than 300 passing yards in 2023 along with three games with three touchdowns or more.

C.J. Stroud college stats: How did Stroud do at Ohio State?

At Ohio State, Stroud was a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist and two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, recording 8,123 passing yards, 85 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a 69.3% completion rate.

In two seasons as a starter, Stroud led Ohio State to a 21-4 record, losing to Michigan twice, Oregon and Georgia in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Peach Bowl.