Rule number one of social media: You don’t ever want to accidentally provide the world with a meme, and if you do, you better be ready to take the heat.
The Houston Texans and CJ Stroud are currently learning that lesson the hard way, and the starting QB for the Texans is no stranger to becoming a meme. He’s provided plenty of meme-able moments in his three seasons in the NFL, and as he heads into his fourth, he’s already gifted social media with another.
With the start of the NFL season right around the corner, teams are starting to ramp up their training camps. Stroud, also referred to as CJ7, reported to training camp earlier today, and the Houston franchise got him on video as their franchise (?) QB walked in. After posting the video, something tells me they wish that they didn’t.
Here’s the clip that’s got everyone online clowning CJ:
There are definitely some “first day of school” vibes going on right there.
In a way, it’s exactly that for CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans. But you’d kind of hope that your franchise quarterback would look a bit more grown up heading into Year 4, don’t you think? That’s at least how everyone online sees it, and they’ve been quick to point out the loss of aura. After his rookie campaign, some were calling him one of the best QBs in the league, however the past 2 years have proven that he still has some work to do. His 4-pick performance in the AFC Divisional round last year certainly doesn’t scream poise.
Some have also taken notice of how Stroud appears to be walking with a bit of a limp. There’s no indication that he’s actually hurt (his ego might have taken a hit if he dove into the comments), but it does appear that he’s walking a little gingerly on the first day of training camp.
Thus, a real social media firestorm got going:
Ol “Moms drop me off I miss the bus” face ass
— The Real M-Ez (@M_EzMusic) July 28, 2026
He looks like he’s starting the fifth grade
— KDIII™️ (@kream_kevo) July 28, 2026
Buddy chopped off the dreads and lost all his aura 🤣 pic.twitter.com/KY5HNfXhsg
— Onyx (@OnyxOdds) July 28, 2026
Looks like junior varsity starting QB headed to two a days camp
— Off The Wall Takes (@offthewalltakes) July 28, 2026
Bro threw 4 INTs in the playoffs and lost every ounce of aura he had 😭 https://t.co/ewejSdejeW
— NFL Memes (@NFLMemes) July 28, 2026
This is worse than the Bryce young backpack clip
— Chris Corchiani Burner (@JBBurner12) July 28, 2026
Is this real???
Bro looks like a JV offensive lineman https://t.co/3oo2ctcBXx
— Sports By Dustin (@SportsByDustin) July 28, 2026
is he good? right leg seems to have a lil limp
— Lucas #WhattheHelly?? (@Luckyazure11) July 28, 2026
Let the speculation begin. Way to go Houston Texans… you messed around and you meme-ed yourself, and created a conversation around the health of your starting QB.
