Texans Tight End Says C.J. Stroud’s Struggles Weren’t All His Fault

Stroud had an up-and-down year, but Dalton Schultz said he has seen the young quarterback’s growth as a leader.

C.J. Stroud #7, Dalton Schultz #86, and Jaylin Noel #14 of the Houston Texans prior to the AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., on Jan. 18, 2026. Elsa/Getty Images

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz defended his quarterback after an up-and-down year in an interview published Feb. 18.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud had the worst season of his young career and performed erratically from game to game. It ended with a complete collapse in the NFL playoffs’ Divisional Round against the New England Patriots.