The Houston Texans’ minicamp took an uplifting turn when franchise legend J.J. Watt made a surprise visit. As the team went through offseason workouts, Watt’s presence sparked excitement among players and fans.
But this wasn’t just a friendly drop-in—he left the team with a powerful message of belief in its potential.
J.J. Watt Reunites With Texans, Praises C.J. Stroud and Teammates at Minicamp
During Wednesday’s minicamp, Watt spent time at the Texans’ training facility, interacting with players and observing practice. Among those he spoke with was quarterback C.J. Stroud, the centerpiece of Houston’s recent resurgence.
Following the visit, Watt reacted to a video posted by the Texans’ official X account showing him conversing with Stroud.
One hell of a squad.
These guys are easy to root for.
Goons on the field, great guys off.JJ Watt (@JJWatt) June 11, 2025
In his post, Watt offered a concise but meaningful endorsement:
“One hell of a squad. These guys are easy to root for. Goons on the field, great guys off.”
Those few words from Watt reflect more than casual admiration—they signal real confidence in the team’s direction and culture.
Watt, who spent a decade with the Texans and became one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history, has seen both the highs and lows in Houston. For him to call this group “one hell of a squad” carries significant weight.
Stroud, drafted second overall in 2023, has already established himself as a strong leader. He earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and has posted a 63.5% completion rate over his first two seasons. Expectations are high for him heading into 2025, and Watt’s endorsement only adds to the growing momentum.
Minicamp also brought attention to Stroud’s health. He did not throw during OTAs the previous week, sparking speculation about a possible shoulder issue. Head coach DeMeco Ryans attributed it to general soreness, but concerns lingered until Stroud returned to the field on Tuesday.
In response to the media chatter surrounding his status, Stroud set the record straight with a mix of humor and clarity: “I was already throwing before you guys see me out there pretty normally,” he said. “I think y’all don’t have much to talk about so everything just gets blown up in the offseason. I’m fine, man. I’m really OK.”
Stroud also emphasized the work he put in during the offseason, explaining, “I took this offseason very serious. Just working hard, trying to get my body right. Trying to be faster, stronger.”
The combination of Watt’s praise and Stroud’s resilience paints an encouraging picture for Houston fans. As the team prepares for the new season, there’s a growing sense that something special is brewing in the Texans’ locker room.
