John McClain Doubles Down on C.J. Stroud’s Future in Houston with Bold Promise

Veteran Houston sportswriter John McClain has never been one to shy away from a strong opinion. This week, he made headlines again by issuing an eye-catching pledge regarding the future of C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans.

Amid speculation surrounding Stroud’s long-term outlook following a challenging postseason stretch in January, McClain took to social media with an emphatic declaration: if the Texans trade their franchise quarterback, he will “walk naked down Kirby Drive at rush hour.” The statement was intended to underscore his unwavering confidence that Houston has no intention of parting ways with Stroud.

Speaking afterward, McClain dismissed trade rumors as unfounded and illogical. He described the notion that Stroud could be replaced—particularly by backup quarterback Davis Mills—as “absurd.” In McClain’s view, Stroud remains firmly entrenched as the organization’s leader under center, and any suggestion otherwise is disconnected from reality.

Importantly, the Texans’ leadership appears aligned with that assessment. Head coach DeMeco Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio have both publicly affirmed their belief in Stroud as the team’s unquestioned starter heading into the 2026 season. Their comments reinforce the franchise’s commitment to stability at the game’s most critical position.

While McClain’s confidence is clear, this is not the first time he has made a high-profile guarantee tied to the Texans’ draft or roster decisions. More than a decade ago, he found himself in a similarly precarious position.

Leading up to the 2014 NFL Draft, McClain strongly projected that Houston would use the No. 1 overall selection on a quarterback. He publicly suggested prospects such as Johnny Manziel and Blake Bortles as likely choices. In a bold flourish, he vowed to eat the front page of the Houston Chronicle’s sports section if the Texans failed to select a quarterback in the first round.

Instead, Houston chose defensive end Jadeveon Clowney with the top pick. True to his word, McClain followed through—literally consuming part of the newspaper page at a post-draft event, reportedly wrapping it around barbecue to make the task more manageable. The moment became part of Houston sports lore and cemented his reputation as a columnist willing to stand by his predictions.

In hindsight, McClain acknowledged he had received late indications that Clowney would be the selection, including insights stemming from conversations with then-owner Bob McNair. However, by that point, his public promise had already taken on a life of its own.

That history adds a layer of intrigue to his latest proclamation. Yet McClain remains unconcerned about the potential consequences. He suggested that, should the improbable occur and Stroud be traded, the emotional impact on Houston fans would overshadow any spectacle on Kirby Drive.

Ultimately, McClain’s comments reflect more than bravado. They signal a deep belief that the Texans have found their franchise cornerstone in Stroud and are committed to building around him. For now, both team leadership and one of Houston’s most recognizable sports voices appear unified in that conviction.