Legendary defensive icon JJ Watt publicly criticized the NFL following a controversial decision to leave Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud off the All-Pro team — a snub that immediately ignited debate across the league. The omission came despite Stroud leading one of the most impressive midseason turnarounds in the NFL, guiding Houston from a sluggish start to a 12–5 finish and the AFC’s No. 5 seed as a Wild Card team.
According to Watt, the decision reflects a deeper flaw in how elite quarterback play is evaluated. “You can’t tell the story of the Texans’ resurgence without C.J. Stroud,” Watt said. “He didn’t just manage games — he elevated everyone around him. If that doesn’t meet the standard for All-Pro, then the standard itself needs to be questioned.” His comments quickly gained traction, resonating with fans and analysts who viewed Stroud as the driving force behind Houston’s revival.
On the field, Stroud delivered consistently under pressure, displaying poise, command, and precision well beyond his years. He orchestrated late-game drives, protected the football, and transformed the Texans into a legitimate playoff threat. Houston didn’t merely sneak into the postseason — they earned their place, setting up a Wild Card showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The backlash surrounding the All-Pro snub has extended beyond Texans fans, evolving into a broader league-wide conversation about reputation versus performance. Many questioned how quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford received All-Pro consideration while Stroud’s impact was overlooked. “If awards are based on name value instead of influence,” Watt added, “you’re going to miss the players who actually change outcomes.”
For the Texans, the controversy may serve as added motivation heading into the playoffs. History suggests teams — and quarterbacks — often play their best when underestimated. If Stroud continues his ascent and delivers in the postseason, the narrative may shift from an All-Pro omission to a defining example of the league misjudging a rising star who is shaping its future.
