Former Ohio State Quarterback C.J. Stroud Wins PFWA’s Good Guy Award
Former Ohio State and current Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud continues to rack up the accolades following his stellar rookie season.
He was named on Wednesday as the winner of the Pro Football Writers of America’s Good Guy Award, given to the NFL player who best possesses the qualities and professional style that help pro football writers do their jobs.
“Stroud is the Good Guy Award winner because of his professionalism and openness with both the national and local media,” said PFWA Houston chapter co-vice president Jonathan Alexander in a press release. “He is always available during the week and after games, win or lose. He understands the media has a job to do and answers each question thoroughly.
“He is also active in the Houston community without seeking attention, recently volunteering to remove trees and clean up debris from yards in underserved communities after a storm left many residents without power for several days.”
Stroud is the 20th-ever PFWA Good Guy Award winner and the first Texans player to earn the honor. He won the award over Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio, Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
“It’s a blessing to be recognized as the PFWA Good Guy Award winner, and it stands out to me because it’s more of an award that embodies someone’s character rather than the stats they compile on the field,” Stroud said in a statement. “I appreciate the job the media has and thank them for choosing me as someone who is deserving of this honor. A special shoutout to the other very deserving players who were nominated and those that won before me.”
Stroud has been praised for his treatment and cooperation with the media dating back to his playing days at Ohio State, a quality that became apparent when he returned to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center this past March to watch Ohio State’s Pro Day and answered questions from Buckeye beat reporters. He has even dabbled in the media sphere himself, providing NFL draft coverage for Bleacher Report this April alongside Cowboys edge-rusher Micah Parsons.
This is just one of several accolades Stroud has received since leading the Texans to an AFC South Division title and divisional round playoff berth while throwing for an impressive 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns in his rookie season.
The former Buckeye, who was selected by the franchise with the second overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft, was the winner of both the AP and PFWA NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Awards and also earned an NFL Pro Bowl selection.
Stroud and the Texans are once again expected to be significant players in the AFC again this season in large part due to the addition of four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who was traded to Houston from the Buffalo Bills on April 3.