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After the heart-stopping 28-16 playoff battle, C.J. Stroud took full responsibility and broke down in tears. In that darkest moment of his life, a call from Texans legend J.J. Watt in the tunnel moved all of Texans Nation to tears

Houston, Texas – Following a gut-wrenching 28–16 playoff defeat, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud emerged from the locker room with a somber determination to shoulder full responsibility for the loss.

“If that play had been just a little better, just once, the outcome would have been different. To Texans fans, teammates, and coaches, I don’t want to blame anyone after this battle. Thank you to everyone who has always stood by me,” Stroud said, his voice steady but heavy with the weight of disappointment.

He then quietly stepped into the tunnel, the sting of frustration and personal accountability etched across his face.

It was in this moment of private anguish that a phone call came from none other than Texans legend J.J. Watt.

“You did everything you could. I watched the whole game, every snap, every drive,” Watt said, offering calm reassurance and perspective to the young quarterback.

Watt’s words acted as a lifeline for Stroud, reminding him that even in failure, effort and resilience are never wasted.

Moved by the encouragement of his mentor, Stroud later reflected on the profound experience:

“There was a moment when I thought everything I’d built my whole life had collapsed — no noise, no light, just emptiness. Then he showed up, quietly, knelt beside me, and said exactly ten words. I’ll never forget that — because in that moment, it kept me here when I thought I’d lost everything.”

The emotional interaction quickly circulated across social media, with fans and analysts praising the quiet leadership and humanity displayed by Watt.

In a league often defined by statistics, headlines, and pressure-filled outcomes, this moment highlighted that the human element — mentorship, guidance, and moral support — can leave as profound an impact as any on-field victory.

For Stroud, the loss still burns, but the encounter reinforced the values of trust, resilience, and solidarity that define the Texans’ culture.

As the team looks forward to the offseason, the lesson is clear: accountability, humility, and mentorship are just as important as any game plan or play call.

While the season ended sooner than hoped, the tunnel moment between Watt and Stroud will be remembered as one of the most heartfelt and meaningful episodes of the 2026 NFL postseason — a quiet testament to the bonds that define the game, beyond the scoreboard.

Final Coaching Staff Decision Under Head Coach Joe Brady
Today, newly appointed head coach Joe Brady of the Buffalo Bills made an official announcement about the final list of coaches who will work alongside him for the 2026 season, unveiling a promising coaching staff. In his latest statement, Brady confirmed that several familiar faces will remain in key roles within the coaching staff. These individuals have proven their worth in previous seasons and will continue to play vital roles in the team's success moving forward. Kelly Skipper, the running backs (RB) coach, is one of the standout names on this list. Skipper has consistently demonstrated impressive coaching abilities during his time with Buffalo, and his return highlights his strong commitment to developing the team’s running game. Rob Boras, the tight ends (TE) coach, will also continue to be a part of the coaching staff for the upcoming season. With his deep understanding of offensive positions, Boras has been integral in shaping the Bills' strong offensive systems, and his retention assures stability in the offensive unit. Austin Gund, the assistant offensive line (OL) coach, is another strategic choice for keeping crucial staff members from the previous season. Gund has built strong connections with both the offensive and defensive lines, and his continued role will help maintain the development of the team’s line play. Lastly, Mark Lubick, the pass game coordinator, will return to guide the team’s aerial attack. With Lubick’s return, the Bills are aiming to maintain flexibility and creativity in their offensive strategies for the upcoming season. Joe Brady shared: “I am thrilled to retain these talented coaches who have played key roles in the team’s success over the past seasons. We’re committed to building a strong team with high determination and sharp strategies.” While the Buffalo Bills did not capture major titles in the previous season, retaining a highly experienced coaching staff is a positive signal for the upcoming season. With Joe Brady at the helm and supported by this coaching staff, the Bills are looking forward to a new season full of promise and aiming to compete at the highest level of the NFL. Brady’s decision also reflects his long-term vision of building and maintaining a strong coaching foundation, setting the stage for the Buffalo Bills to thrive in the seasons ahead.