After the Chiefs capitalized on a huge return of the opening kickoff and converted a field goal to take an early 3-0 lead, Stroud drove the Texans deep into Kansas City territory on their first possession of the game.

Stroud was drafted by the Texans in 2023 and signed a 4-year, $36,279,243 fully guaranteed contract that came with a generous signing bonus of $23,384,904. His base salary in 2024 was somewhat low at $915,000. He was also paid a roster bonus of $1,484,057 which made his total pay for the season $2,399,057.

The Houston Texans face a tough test in their Divisional round playoff matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. Midway through the first quarter Texans fans were made to hold their breath when quarterback CJ Stroud appeared to suffer an injury to his left ankle.