For the city of Houston’s sake, the Texans can’t afford to trade quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Why? Well, does anyone want to see a season reporter go streaking on the 610 loop during rush hour on a Tuesday?
Longtime Houston sportswriter John McClain remained confident in his belief that Stroud will improve and be the answer for the Texans in 2026 and beyond. How much so? Well, the 74-year-old is willing to shock the city by wearing his birthday suit out in public should Stroud be moved this offseason.
“If CJ Stroud is traded, I’ll walk naked down Kirby Drive at rush hour!” McClain posted on X. “Is anyone else willing to do it if he’s NOT traded? Didn’t think so!”
Right now, everything is speculation surrounding Stroud. Both Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio said last month that they view the former No. 2 overall pick as the Texans’ unquestioned starter for the 2026 season.
Barring a change of mindset, Stroud should be trotting out Week 1 with the Texans’ offense, but if he doesn’t, will McClain deliver on the wager? Honestly? Why would anyone doubt him at this point? This is the same sportswriter who wagered that the Texans would select a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in 2014 or that he’d eat a front page of the publication.
South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney in the first round while McClain quite litterally ate his own words days after the draft.
Maybe for the sake of the community, the Texans should release a statement esuring that no one will have to worry about running into McClain on their drive home from work.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Legendary Houston sportswriter makes bold bet on C.J. Stroud’s status
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
