C.J. Stroud was mic'd up in the Texans game vs. the Cowboys. He explains why and his passion

A video of a mic’d up C.J. Stroud from Sunday’s game versus the Dallas Cowboys made the rounds this week on social media as it showcased the Houston Texans quarterback’s on-field passion.

Stroud, who is typically more stoic in public settings, told the media Wednesday that spirit in the video wasn’t just for the cameras but something that is intrinsic in his character as a football player.

“I’ve always been passionate,” Stroud said. “I’ve always loved playing this game. This game has truly done incredible things for me and my family, and I believe God has put a certain fire in me to have an excitement about playing each play.”

Texans just posted a video with C.J. Stroud mic’s up. This clip was cold. https://t.co/Up823MaDJa

– Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) October 6, 2026

The video started with Stroud throwing one of his two touchdowns to wide receiver Nico Collins before going into the immediate aftermath of the score: Stroud hyping himself up after the play, doing his handshake with Collins and then the aftermath on the sideline.

Stroud said he typically says no to mic’d up situations because of how he gets on the field but he believes his teammates love to see him when he’s at that level.

“We could be playing in Sunnyside, I would be excited to play this game. I really love this game,” Stroud said.

Despite the 0-4 record for the Texans, Stroud has been arguably the best player on the Texans offense through the first four games of the season. He threw for over 300 yards for the second time this year in the 34-30 loss to the Cowboys, finding Collins for two touchdowns.

But Stroud said that when he looks at himself in the mirror, he’s reflecting not on what he did well but on the things he can do better.

“I feel the rhythm,” Stroud said. “I feel like I’m putting the ball where I need to put it. But also you know I just want to be better on third down and you know in the red zone.”

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This article originally published at C.J. Stroud was mic’d up in the Texans game vs. the Cowboys. He explains why and his passion.