While you were sleeping: Texans QB C.J. Stroud 'was actually asleep' when Stefon Diggs news broke

Getting ready for Pro Bowl Games practice back in February, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was excited about the franchise building on its surprising 2023 success with its returning talent and some hopeful additions.

The savvy signal-caller wasn’t about to opine just who or what areas of need should be addressed, but it turns out he had already gotten to meet a future teammate, new Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

Unsurprisingly, Stroud is plenty thrilled to have Diggs added to Houston’s WR room.

Stroud expressed his excitement to reporters on Monday about acquiring Diggs, who previously played for the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings. ” I had the chance to meet him at the Pro Bowl, where I got to know him and his kids to understand what kind of person he is,” Stroud said, according to team transcripts. “Since then, our relationship has grown. It’s amazing to transition from that scene to now, where he is my teammate. I am really eager to start working with him.”

Stroud, the reigning AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Diggs were AFC Pro Bowl Games teammates and are now united in the Texans’ attempt to repeat as AFC South champions.

For Texans fans, seeing Diggs added to a wide receiver corps that already boasts Nico Collins, a returning Tank Dell and John Metchie III, it’s a dream-like scenario. For Stroud, the Diggs trade — or at least news of it — came together while he was sleeping. He awoke to some franchise-altering news.

Stroud explained, “In actuality, I was asleep. I recently returned from the West Coast and am back home in L.A., so I was sound asleep. I generally set my phone to ‘Do Not Disturb’ because of the high volume of calls I receive, so I wasn’t aware of what was going on. When I woke up, I had a text from my friend Chase B asking how I was doing. I thought he was just checking in on me, and I replied saying I was fine. I sent about five similar texts before I fully awoke. I was semi-consciously texting while still in bed. After getting up, brushing my teeth, and washing my face, I saw the news on Instagram. That’s when I realized what everyone was referring to.”

Undoubtedly, Stroud and Co. aspire to have numerous people discussing the Texans in the upcoming season.

Seventh in the NFL in passing yards for 2023, the Texans are welcoming back offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. Stroud, who threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns in 15 games, led Collins to a career season with 80 receptions for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns. Dell also shined in 11 games before he was lost to a broken fibula, turning in 47 grabs for 709 yards and seven TDs.

Stroud expressed his enthusiasm for Tank’s return, saying, “Tank has joined back and started participating in our offseason programs. His return is incredibly exciting for me. His absence last year was a major setback for us. He is not only a dynamic player for us but also a personal inspiration and an inspiration for much of our team. So, seeing him working with our team again is truly thrilling.”

Despite participating in 16 games last season, this will be Metchie’s first time playing without any restrictions. This comes after he missed the entire 2022 due to a diagnosis of leukemia.

“Stroud reflected on last year, noting it was a good opportunity for him to recover from his injury and illness. He said, “His mindset is all about making a comeback and performing well on the field. He’s not just an excellent football player, but also a remarkable person. I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather have in that room. Metchie is looking fantastic. His performance on the field won’t surprise anyone, but I believe everyone in this room recognizes his potential to do something truly special.”

Naturally, a player with four Pro Bowl appearances is now present. Despite Diggs having a slightly below-average performance in 2023 according to his usual high standards, he still managed his sixth consecutive 1,000-yard season. Furthermore, he also clocked his fourth consecutive year of making over 100 catches, marking his fifth such achievement overall.

“His presence significantly enriches that room,” stated Stroud. “He possesses a wealth of knowledge that I believe he’ll impart to the others. He’s made efforts to connect with everyone, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the room. I believe we’ll all benefit from each other’s input. Working with everyone in that room will be both fun and exciting, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Back in February, during his time in Orlando, Florida, Stroud was excited about the future.

Stroud has woken up to the addition of a Pro Bowl wide receiver since then. He is excited about the potential return to form of two more WRs and is increasingly confident in Houston’s future prospects.

“He expressed his belief in the team’s potential, noting the abundance of players with significant experience. He admired their versatility on the field, calling it amazing. Despite the high expectations and external distractions, he stressed that now was the time to concentrate,” he declared.