Jordan Love considers C.J. Stroud a friend.
He also knows what the Houston Texans’ did last season is something that most could only dream of as a rookie.
“You don’t see too many quarterbacks that come in and ball out the way he did,” Love told reporters of Stroud in Green Bay earlier this week. “Definitely a testament to the work he’s put in to get there. I’m proud of him. You don’t see too many quarterbacks that do come in and play well right away.”
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Love, a 2020 first-round pick, had three seasons to sit and learn under four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers before taking over as the face of the Packers.
Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in 2023, was thrust into the starting role for a franchise that hadn’t had a winning season since 2020.
Over three seasons, the Texans had posted a combined 11 wins.
In one year with Stroud, the Texans total 10 regular-season victories and a playoff win over Deshaun Watson’s Cleveland Browns. Stroud would win Offensive Rookie of the Year after throwing for over 4,00 yards and 23 touchdown passes.
Love, who played for Liberty High School in Bakersfield, California, is three years older than Stroud but said he knew of the former Ohio State quarterback’s potential from his time at Rancho Cucamonga High School in San Bernardino County just outside Los Angeles.
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“I’ve been watching him for a while now, since high school, so watched him in college and then watched him ball out last year,” Love said. “Me and C.J. are close.”
Not only are the two California passers close off the field, but they’re also close in the hunt for MVP honors. Stroud ranks fifth in passing touchdowns (six), sixth in passing yards (1,577) and ninth in completion percentage (68.3).
Love, who missed two games with a lower-body injury, is second in passing touchdowns (12) and second in yards per game (282.9).
“Jordan is a great dude,” Stroud said Wednesday. “I think he’s a great quarterback. He’s definitely a friend of mine and somebody who I look up to.”
A win for either side not only strengthens their chances of making the playoffs but it also sets the tone for an MVP push. Love knows Stroud’s a unique talent in the pros.
The same goes for the coach looking to take the Texans down.
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“I do have a lot of respect for him and what he was able to do a year ago just to be able to come into the league as a young player and put up the type of numbers that he did and lead them into the playoffs,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur. “I think that was pretty impressive.”
Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT at Lambeau Field.
