NFL rookie single-game passing record is set by a sensational ace: Former Ohio State quarterback also ties a touchdown record

C.J. Stroud sets NFL rookie single-game passing record: Ex-Ohio State QB also ties touchdown record

Former Ohio State quarterback and first-round NFL Draft pick C.J. Stroud had one of the best performances by a rookie in league history, racking up 470 passing yards and five touchdowns while completing the game-winning play in the Houston Texans’ 39-37 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Stroud set the rookie record for single-game passing yards and tied the high mark for touchdowns in his breakout showing.

The Week 9 outing was the latest in a stretch of impressive games to start Stroud’s career. It was his fifth multi-touchdown game of the season and his sixth with at least 200 passing yards. The burgeoning Rookie of the Year candidate entered the week ranked fifth in the league in total passing yards and will climb that list once the week’s action is complete.

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“It’s a blessing,” Stroud said after the game. “The humble me — I’m going to try to celebrate it tonight. After that, I’m on to Cincinnati. But it’s a blessing. I put in a lot of work throughout the week, and the guys know that. They see it. My family, they see the work I put in… I’m really blessed to break the record, and I’m really blessed to get the win.”

With Houston trailing by four points and 46 seconds remaining in the game, Stroud led a quick scoring drive and put the Texans on top for good with a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Tank Dell.

“From the first play, we ran out there and I had complete confidence,” said Stroud. “I knew that we needed a touchdown… That drive, it was special, and it’s something in this league I’m learning — you’ve gotta be great in two-minute. For me, I just want the ball. Just give me the ball, call the play and I’m going to go make the play.”

Prior to his stellar career at Ohio State, Stroud was a late-blooming high school prospect. He was the No. 715 overall recruit when he made his debut in the national rankings, but he finished at No. 29 in the 2020 class and was a five-star signee in Ohio State’s No. 5-ranked class.

With the Buckeyes, Stroud was a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist, Big Ten Conference Offensive Player of the Year and Big Ten Quarterback of the Year. He ended his college career with a 21-4 record as the Buckeyes’ starter. Stroud completed 69.3% of his passes at Ohio State, totaling 8,123 yards and 85 passing touchdowns against 12 interceptions. He also added 80 rushes for 136 yards and a touchdown.