Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is making changes after a four-interception performance in Houston’s Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots last month.
Stroud cut off his shoulder-length long hair and opted for a shorter hairstyle, as seen in an Instagram video by Ashley Means, a Houston-based salon owner.
“Sometimes growth means letting go,” Means wrote. “Endings make room for elevation. New chapter unlocked.”
Stroud’s personal barber, Kase Kuttz, shared the video and a photo of the quarterback’s lineup.
“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind,” Kuttz wrote.
Stroud is four weeks removed from his nightmare season-ending performance against the Super Bowl-bound Patriots.
He finished with 212 passing yards, one touchdown and four first-half interceptions in the 28-16 loss at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough Mass.
New England will face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 2026, taking place in Santa Clara, Calif. on Sunday.
“I feel like I let people down,” Stroud said after the loss. “I’m not happy with that. It hurts. I’m not used to it.”
ESPN analyst Troy Aikman, who called the game, said it’s time for the Texans to address “some tough decisions” regarding their stagnant quarterback in the offseason.
Stroud threw for 3,041 yards with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 14 regular-season games in 2025.
He has regressed since he was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and made the Pro Bowl in 2023, when he seemed like a sure-fire future star.
In his rookie season, Stroud threw for 4,108 yards with 23 touchdowns across 15 games.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
