NFL

C.J. Stroud Addresses Criticism from Texans Legend Andre Johnson

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 17, 2026, 05:16 IST

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has responded to recent comments from Hall of Famer Andre Johnson regarding his sideline demeanor, choosing to focus on the team's upcoming matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

C.J. Stroud Addresses Criticism from Texans Legend Andre Johnson

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has opted to move past recent public criticism regarding his on-field demeanor. The signal-caller addressed the media on Wednesday, choosing to maintain a professional focus on his team's immediate preparations rather than engaging in a debate over comments made by franchise icon Andre Johnson.

Johnson, a Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver, recently appeared on the LGND Talk podcast where he expressed concerns regarding Stroud’s body language during games. The former Texans star suggested that a quarterback’s attitude can have a significant impact on the rest of the roster, noting that negative body language can potentially permeate through the entire team.

Stroud and Teammates Respond to Criticism

When asked about the critique, Stroud expressed respect for the legendary receiver while emphasizing that his current priority is the team's upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Stroud acknowledged that he has previously identified his own body language as an area for personal growth, particularly when the team faces adversity during a contest. He stated that he appreciates the feedback and remains open to having a private conversation with Johnson if necessary.

The comments drew a swift defense from within the Texans' locker room. All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. pushed back against the narrative, praising Stroud’s leadership and his ability to rally his teammates. Anderson highlighted Stroud’s enthusiasm on the sidelines and his consistent efforts to keep the group centered, even when plays do not go as planned. Meanwhile, head coach DeMeco Ryans, who was a teammate of Johnson during their time in Houston, noted that he was not aware of the specific remarks made on the podcast.

Focus Shifts to Bengals Matchup

The discourse follows a challenging season-opening performance for the Texans, who fell 36-31 to the Buffalo Bills. In that outing, Stroud recorded 287 passing yards and two touchdowns, though his performance was marred by two lost fumbles—including one on the game's opening drive and another during the final possession that effectively ended the team's comeback hopes.

As the organization looks to move forward, both the coaching staff and the players have emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on the schedule ahead. With the loss to Buffalo now in the rearview mirror, the team is directing its full attention toward the challenge posed by Cincinnati.