Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud named 2023 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year

C.J. Stroud named 2023 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year after record-breaking season, accepts award online. #NFL #RookieoftheYear

C.J. Stroud, the quarterback for the Houston Texans, has been named the 2023 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year. This announcement was made in a press release from Pepsi and the NFL, with Stroud accepting his award through a video. As the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Stroud made history by recording the third-highest passing yards by a rookie in NFL history and becoming the fourth rookie quarterback with a passer rating of 100 or higher. Additionally, he led all rookie quarterbacks with 23 touchdown passes and only five interceptions, setting a new record as the youngest player to lead the league in touchdown-to-interception ratio.

In his acceptance speech, Stroud thanked his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as well as his family, friends, teammates, and coaches for their support. He expressed his gratitude for being named the 2023 Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year, acknowledging the talented players in his rookie class and those who have won the honor before him. Stroud also thanked the fans for their votes, emphasizing that this award is just the beginning for the Houston Texans.

Throughout the season, Stroud achieved numerous milestones, including tying the record for the second-most games with at least 300 passing yards by a rookie quarterback and becoming the first rookie quarterback to achieve at least 300 passing yards in four consecutive games. He also set a single-game rookie record with 470 passing yards in Week 9. With nine games of at least 250 passing yards, Stroud holds the second-most such games by a rookie quarterback in NFL history. He also began the season with 191 pass attempts without an interception, setting a new record for the most consecutive pass attempts without an interception to start a career in NFL history.

Stroud was one of six finalists nominated for the award, alongside other outstanding rookies such as De’Von Achane, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Puka Nacua, and Bijan Robinson. The finalists were chosen based on their exceptional performances throughout the season. Fans were able to vote for the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Week, and these results were used to help determine the finalists. This marks the 23rd year of Pepsi's partnership with the NFL as the Official Soft Drink, and the 22nd year of presenting the NFL Rookie of the Week and NFL Rookie of the Year award.

Share With Others