CJ Stroud Reveals His Involvement in Texans Trade for Marvin Harrison Jr

The Houston Texans added another receiver for C.J. Stroud, trading with the Cardinals days ago to acquire Marvin Harrison Jr., who was Arizona's No. 4 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

It fittingly brings a reunion for Stroud, as he and Harrison Jr. were teammates for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Stroud was part of a breakout season for the star receiver in 2022, and some may have wondered if Stroud pushed to get his former teammate on the Texans' roster.

He responded to any speculation about that during his recent media session, explaining he had some input, but really lets the front office handle their trades.

"I mean I asked for them to include me in things like that since I got here and so I was just appreciative of them even giving me the opportunity to explain who I thought he was, the player I thought he was," Stroud told reporters.

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"I really don't have that push or say so. I try to do my job, you know, and leave it up to our front office to make the decisions, but I'm very happy he's here," Stroud said.

Stroud was a quarterback under head coach Ryan Day at Ohio State from 2020 to 2022, before leaving for the NFL in 2023. Harrison began playing on the Buckeyes' roster beginning in 2021 as a freshman.

In 2022, Harrison Jr. emerged as a star receiver, with Stroud throwing his way. He started 13 games, tallying 77 receptions for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns.

The Houston Texans are probably hoping to see more of the magic that former connection brings to their team. The Texans are currently 1-4 and trying to turn things around before it's too late, especially after last season's successful run to the NFL Playoffs.

Harrison Jr. has also been off to a rough start in the NFL, and this season with the Cardinals had just five receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown. The familiarity of catching receptions from his former college quarterback may be just he needed in Houston.

The trade arrived just ahead of the Texans' big clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. The two teams will battle on Sunday, Oct. 18 inside Wembley Stadium.

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