Remember the pre-draft noise questioning CJ Stroud’s smarts? Yeah, that didn’t age well. The Texans’ rookie QB, fresh off his debut Pro Bowl appearance, has impressed none other than NFL royalty—Peyton Manning.

On The Pat McAfee Show, Manning, coaching the AFC in the Pro Bowl, dished on Stroud. “They’re gonna pick at you, and I can relate to that,” he empathized, referencing the early skepticism surrounding Stroud. “He’s got that presence about him,” the Colts legend continued, praising Stroud’s composure during the Pro Bowl. “He wants the ball in his hands at all times. He’s calm and competitive in those heated moments.”

Talking about his playing days, Manning shared how he faced criticism at the NFL Combine. With doubts about his potential, there was buzz that he didn’t have any upshots. The 48-year-old advised Stroud to use “criticism to drive him to play better.” McAfee pointed out that even Chiefs’ QB Patrick Mahomes was questioned in his fourth year—people wondered if he could become the next Tom Brady, just like Stroud’s being questioned now. 

But being compared to Mahomes is a massive compliment in itself. The current AFC king, Mahomes, took the league by storm with his audacious throws and gunslinger mentality. But Manning sees a similar fire in Stroud—a relentless drive to succeed paired with an ice-cold head under pressure.

This isn’t Manning’s first vote of confidence in Stroud. Back in February, before Stroud even took an NFL snap, Manning boldly predicted a Pro Bowl MVP award for the young QB. And Stroud did lead the Houston team to the AFC South title and a playoff win.

Sure, comparing a rookie to the one and only Mahomes seems like a reach, but we cannot deny the parallels Manning identified. Both Stroud and Mahomes possess the X-factor—the ability to elevate their game when it matters the most. But can Stroud follow in the Chiefs’ QB footsteps and become the next big thing in the AFC? While the Texans’ rookie QB has a blazing bright future, dethroning Patrick Mahomes is one heck of a deal. 

Texans got a gem, But Mahomes is still king in the AFC

The Texans might have a strong contender in CJ Stroud, but don’t get it twisted—the AFC still runs through the Chiefs’ QB. 

Making his NFL debut last year, Stroud’s the youngest rookie QB to win a playoff game with the most passing yards in a single game. He led the Texans to their first division title in years and put up a monster season with over 4,000 yards passing. But here’s the reality: Patrick Mahomes is one of the greatest QBs of all time. The two-time MVP throws laser beams, maintains ice-cold composure under pressure, and escapes collapsing pockets—all while elevating a team that might not be stacked with superstars.

Sure, Stroud might be the next big thing, but for now, the Chiefs’ gunslinger remains the undisputed king. The Texans have a bright future with Stroud, but dethroning Mahomes? That’ll be a story for another day.