Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud praises chemistry with newly acquired receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said the team’s recent acquisition of wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. reunites him with the quarterback who threw him many passes at Ohio State. Stroud told reporters the pair’s existing chemistry should help the Texans early in the season, especially as they prepare to face the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"Everybody’s been saying how much of a good dude he is, how nice he’s been. It’s nice to have my guy back, and I’m excited to be rolling with him," Stroud said.

He added that he has long recognized Harrison’s talent, describing the rookie as “super ahead of his game” and “very mature” when he arrived in the NFL. Stroud praised Harrison’s route-running, saying the receiver gets open at the right moment and is “very quarterback-friendly.”

"I think he’s a very quarterback friendly receiver. The better you are with getting the ball at your hands on time, the better he is. I think that’s why him and I had so much success because I’m a pocket quarterback that likes to throw it to him on time," Stroud explained.

Addressing external criticism of Harrison’s performance with the Arizona Cardinals, Stroud emphasized that players continue to develop and that outside opinions do not dictate a player’s progress.

"I don’t agree with some of the things that are being said about him. He’s a heck of a player… He’s a confident dude. He’ll be fine," Stroud said.

Stroud concluded that his role is to support Harrison and focus on controllable factors as the team integrates the rookie into its offense.