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Despite Beating the Colts, QB C.J. Stroud Still Bowed His Head to Take Blame After the Texans’ Stormy Game – But It Was Will Anderson Jr.’s Action Afterward That Left All of Patriots Nation Choking Back Tears

Houston, Texas — January 5, 2026.
The scoreboard showed a 38–30 win over the Indianapolis Colts. The standings confirmed the Houston Texans were playoff-bound. But inside the locker room, celebration gave way to reflection.

C.J. Stroud didn’t smile. He didn’t raise his voice. Instead, the Texans’ franchise quarterback bowed his head and spoke with the weight of a leader who felt the night could have slipped away.
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“If we had lost today, the fault would be mine — because I put the team in danger. I made mistakes, and the most painful thing is watching my teammates have to strain themselves to fix it for me. But they didn’t turn their backs… they still believed — and that is what makes me swear I will never let them down again.”

It was a striking moment, considering the result. Houston had already secured its postseason path, rested key starters in the second half, and still closed the game behind discipline and resilience. Stroud himself delivered two first-half touchdowns before yielding snaps, doing exactly what the team needed. Yet responsibility mattered more to him than the box score.

The game had been messy at times — pressure, momentum swings, and the chaos of a finale played in bad weather. Stroud absorbed it all, choosing accountability over comfort. Veterans noticed. So did the locker room.

Then came the moment no camera could fully capture.

As Stroud stepped away from reporters, Will Anderson Jr. walked across the room and quietly placed an arm around his quarterback’s shoulders. No speech. No theatrics. Just a few words meant only for him. Stroud looked up — and for the first time that night, allowed himself a small smile.

Later, Anderson explained the gesture simply. “That’s our guy,” he said. “Leaders don’t hide. They stand up, even after wins. That’s how you build something real.”
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The reaction rippled far beyond Houston. Fans across the league — even those with no stake in the Texans — felt the moment. For many, it echoed something familiar: a young quarterback carrying the burden of expectation, and a defensive cornerstone reminding him he doesn’t carry it alone.

In a league obsessed with dominance, this was about trust. About belief. About teammates choosing each other when the noise gets loud.

The Texans will move on to the playoffs. Stroud will be judged by wins, throws, and results. But nights like this reveal something deeper — a foundation built on humility and unity.

Because sometimes, the most powerful moments after a win aren’t celebrations at all — they’re quiet reminders that leadership means owning everything, even when you don’t have to.

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Just hours after learning he was no longer part of the team’s plans, a Buccaneers star arrested for public disorder while intoxicated — Buccaneers’ actions redefine the meaning of “family” in the NFL
Tampa, Florida – January 7, 2026 Just hours after being informed that he was no longer part of the team’s long-term plans and was likely to depart when his contract expires in March, Tampa Bay Buccaneers long snapper Evan Deckers was arrested in downtown Tampa on charges of public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and resisting law enforcement. The incident unfolded quietly but sent shockwaves internally, as it occurred precisely while the Buccaneers were preparing for a pivotal stage of the offseason. According to local sources, the incident took place on the evening of January 6, 2026, just hours after an internal discussion earlier that afternoon. Witnesses said Deckers appeared visibly upset, emotionally shaken, and under the influence of alcohol in a crowded area of Tampa. Following a brief altercation, police were called to the scene. Upon arrival, Deckers was reportedly resistant to being restrained, leading to multiple charges, although no serious injuries were reported. NFL PLayer Amid Charges of Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct pic.twitter.com/J4ENvXpp2K — Recaps News (@TTrieu54261) December 31, 2025 Deckers first joined the Buccaneers in May 2023 as an undrafted free agent. He was waived at the end of the preseason, later re-signed to the practice squad following an injury to Zach Triner, and gradually worked his way into the primary long snapper role during the 2024 season. While the position does not carry publicly tracked snap statistics like others, Deckers’ role on special teams — punts, field goals, and extra points — was viewed as steady and reliable within the team’s system. What makes this story particularly notable is the Buccaneers’ response. Through head coach Todd Bowles, the organization issued a message emphasizing care and responsibility, even as this was believed to be leaked internal information that was not aggressively pushed by mainstream media. “This is a very difficult situation. Evan has contributed to this team, and as soon as we became aware of what happened, the organization reached out to offer support — both legal and emotional,” Bowles said. Deckers was held overnight and released on bail the following morning. The case remains under investigation, with a court appearance expected later this month. In an unforgiving NFL, where roster decisions can leave players in an emotional void within hours, the Buccaneers’ response sent a clear message. “Once you are a member of the Buccaneers, you will always be part of the family,” Bowles emphasized — a rare definition of “family” in the world of professional football.