Texans QB C.J. Stroud Officially Passes Hall of Famer John Elway to Etch His Name Into NFL History — And His Faith-Filled Message Is Shaking the League

Houston, Texas – January 7, 2026

C.J. Stroud didn’t need a highlight-reel performance to make history.
He simply kept winning.

With Houston’s Week 18 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, the Texans quarterback officially surpassed Hall of Famer John Elway to become the QB drafted No. 1 or No. 2 overall with the second-most wins through his first three NFL seasons in the Super Bowl era. It marked the 28th win of Stroud’s young career — a quiet milestone carrying enormous weight, placing him firmly among the NFL’s elite young quarterbacks and carving his name into Texans history.

The achievement came at the end of a season that tested Stroud in ways the stat sheet can’t fully capture. Injuries, inconsistency, and a midseason concussion forced Houston through turbulence. But once Stroud returned, the Texans stabilized immediately. They finished the regular season 12–5, went unbeaten after his return, and punched another postseason ticket with Stroud once again at the center of everything.

Statistically, Stroud’s 2025 season reflected growth and composure. He completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions despite missing three games. According to Next Gen Stats, Stroud ranked among the NFL’s top 12 quarterbacks in both passing and rushing EPA, even while facing several of the league’s most dominant defenses.

Yet the moment that sent shockwaves through the NFL didn’t come from a box score.

It came at the podium.

Following Houston’s regular-season finale, Stroud delivered a candid, emotional reflection on faith, adversity, and purpose — words that quickly traveled far beyond the Texans locker room.

“I just want to give God the glory,” Stroud said. “You don’t really learn on the mountaintops. Most of the time, you learn in the valleys. And I believe the Lord has truly had His hand on this team — from our head coach all the way down to the players.”

Stroud made clear his faith wasn’t about divine favoritism or guaranteed success, but about accountability — especially in defeat.

“Win or lose, He still gets the glory,” Stroud said. “How you carry yourself when things aren’t going well — that’s the real testimony.”

In a league where quarterback press conferences are often guarded and predictable, Stroud’s openness struck a chord. Fans praised his authenticity. Teammates rallied behind him. Analysts debated the role of faith in professional sports. And across the NFL, the conversation grew louder.

Head coach DeMeco Ryans, who has long emphasized character and leadership, praised Stroud’s maturity, noting that his voice carries weight not just because of his talent, but because of his humility.

Now, as Wild Card Weekend approaches, Stroud stands on the brink of even more history. He could become just the fourth quarterback in NFL history to win a playoff game in each of his first three seasons — another step in a trajectory already outpacing expectations.

Records can be broken. Wins eventually fade.

But moments like this — when performance, leadership, and belief intersect — are what truly define a legacy.