CJ Stroud, Garrett Wilson share heartwarming reunion ahead of Texans-Jets game

Houston Texans (7-6) quarterback CJ Stroud and New York Jets (5-8) receiver Garrett Wilson were one of the nation’s best duos during their time at Ohio State.

Together, the two helped lead the No. 1 scoring offense in the FBS to a Rose Bowl berth. Though Wilson didn’t suit up in the 48-45 victory over Utah, his impact throughout the season and his rapport with Stroud was crucial to the Buckeyes getting there.

Fast forward two years later, and both Stroud and Wilson will compete on an NFL field together for the first time. Except, it won’t be Stroud tossing touchdowns Wilson’s way, as the two will be on opposite sidelines. While no longer teammates, the two reunited during pregame workouts at MetLife Stadium.

7 x 17 🌰 pic.twitter.com/8HIsirm9Cw

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 10, 2023

CJ Stroud, Garrett Wilson have opposite days in first NFL meeting

Wilson would get the better end of the reunion as the Jets defeated the Texans, 30-6. Wilson hauled in a team-leading nine receptions for 108 yards — his first 100-yard game since October and second this season.

Stroud, meanwhile, left the game after taking a brutal hit in the fourth quarter. He entered concussion protocol after banging his head on the turf. Stroud struggled mightily, completing 10-of-23 passes for 91 yards while being sacked four times. He did not throw a touchdown or interception.

Stroud’s dismal performance was unusual. The 22-year-old has been electric this season, named AFC Offensive Player of the Month for November.

He threw for 1,466 yards and a dozen touchdowns in November, while registering a quarterback rating of 109.9. The Texans sported a 3-1 record during this stretch, losing only to the Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4), their AFC South rivals. Houston’s long-distance field goal to tie the game in the final moments bounced off the crossbar.