C.J. Stroud returns for Houston Texans' June 2025 minicamp, ready to build on a dominant 2024 season. See how QB1 and an elite defense are preparing.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The familiar sight and sound returned to the Houston Methodist Training Center on Tuesday: C.J. Stroud, football in hand, zipping passes to his receivers. The Texans' franchise quarterback was back on the field for day one of mandatory minicamp, shaking off the offseason rust and signaling the true start of a 2025 season filled with sky-high expectations.
The Texans recorded 49 sacks (fourth most in NFL) and 19 interceptions (second most) in 2024, forming the backbone of what PFF calls an 'elite pass defense'.
While Stroud admitted to being 'a little rusty' after the time off, his presence alone electrified the practice. He credited a dedicated offseason program with strength coach Clint for improving his body composition, cutting body fat while adding speed and strength. It's clear the organization is taking a cautious, long-term approach with its most valuable asset, but seeing QB1 throwing passes is a massive boost for a team looking to take the next step.
While Stroud's return captured the headlines, the unit that carried the Texans for long stretches last season looks as formidable as ever. Pro Football Focus analyst Dalton Wasserman recently pinpointed the Texans' 'elite pass defense' as the team's biggest reason for optimism. The numbers back it up: Houston finished 2024 ranked sixth against the pass (201 yards/game), second in interceptions (19), and fourth in sacks (49). The tandem of Danielle Hunter, fresh off a 12-sack Pro Bowl season, and Will Anderson Jr. remains the engine of that fearsome pass rush.
Adding to that defensive firepower is rookie safety Calen Bullock, who got his first taste of minicamp action. Speaking to the media afterward, the 2025 draftee talked about integrating into a veteran-led system with an already established, dominant identity. Bullock's development will be a key storyline as he learns the ropes and looks to carve out a role in one of the league's most opportunistic secondaries.
This minicamp isn't just a series of drills; it's the foundation for a championship run. Head Coach DeMeco Ryans has his squad locked in, aiming to build upon a remarkable 2024 season. After finishing 10-7, winning the AFC South, and dismantling the Los Angeles Chargers 32-12 in the Wild Card round, the team got a taste of what's possible. The tough 23-14 Divisional Round loss to the eventual champion Kansas City Chiefs serves as powerful motivation for a team that now knows it belongs among the NFL's elite.
Day one of minicamp is in the books, and the message is clear: the Texans are not resting on their laurels. With Stroud back at the helm, a defense that terrorizes opposing quarterbacks, and a focused coaching staff, the pieces are in place. The journey is long, but it has officially begun. All eyes now turn toward the rest of minicamp and the long road to the September 7 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.
