C.J. Stroud Explains New Haircut in Video and Reacts to 'Narratives' from Fans as a Public Figure

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud got a haircut this offseason and pushed back on the "narratives" surrounding that decision.

"I was told people thought I was depressed. I wasn't," he told reporters. "I was doing OK. I had been thinking about cutting my hair for a long time. … Nothing really too serious. I'm kind of used to this haircut, it's how I grew up. 

"The dreads were kind of a new thing. I hate that everything in my life is so public. People just have narratives. It's the life I've chosen to live, so it's all good. But, yeah, I like my haircut."

Stroud isn't the only AFC South quarterback who drew attention for his hair this offseason, as the Jacksonville Jaguars released their schedule with a video of what appeared to be Trevor Lawrence getting his signature long hair cut.

It was fake, though, as Lawrence revealed he didn't actually get his hair cut.

As for Stroud, he is entering the fourth year of his NFL career since the Texans selected him with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft. He has led them to the playoffs in each of his three years, although they have not advanced past the AFC Divisional Round.

The Ohio State product was a Pro Bowler as a rookie with career-highs in passing yards (4,108) and passing touchdowns (23). He has been unable to replicate those statistical benchmarks since and completed 64.5 percent of his passes for 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight picks last season.

He will look to return to Pro Bowl form in 2026 with a new look when Houston starts the season at home against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 13.