CJ Stroud is the 2023 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

The record-setting quarterback for the Houston Texans took home the NFL’s offensive rookie award during Thursday night’s 13th annual NFL Honors event. Stroud was voted the winner over Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson.

“First and foremost, I just want to give all glory and praise to my lord and savior, Jesus Christ,” Stroud said in accepting the award. “I want to thank the Texans organization, all the way to the McNairs (ownership), Nick Caserio, DeMeco Ryans, y’all trusted in me by drafting me No. 2. I appreciate that and it’ll never go misunderstood. I appreciate y’all.

“Secondly, I want to thank my family. My mother, my father, my brother, my sister, y’all have been my rock since I was a kid and I love you all so much. I want to thank Ohio State, Coach (Ryan) Day, Todd Fitch, and a ton of Buckeyes out here that have given me nothing but support and showed a young kid some love 2,000 miles away from home.

“… This honor means a lot. To whatever kid that’s out there watching, you can do anything you put your mind to. I’m a living testament to perseverance and trusting your goals, trusting your dreams. I just thank God for this. Thank y’all.”

Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in last April’s NFL Draft, became just the fifth rookie to pass for 4,000 yards in a season and the first Ohio State quarterback to be named to a Pro Bowl.

Throughout the season, he was authoring historic performances seemingly every week. He became the first quarterback to have at least 900 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions in his first three career starts. He set an NFL record for most pass attempts without an interception to start a career, and became the first quarterback since QB starts were first tracked (1950) to go without an interception in his first five starts.

In Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Stroud set a rookie record for passing yards when he threw for 470 yards. He had five touchdowns on the day, no interceptions, and, most importantly, engineered a game-winning 75-yard touchdown drive capped by a touchdown throw with six seconds remaining to win 39-37.

In a 45-14 Wild Card win over the Cleveland Browns, Stroud became the first quarterback drafted in the top two of the draft since 1967 to win a playoff game in his rookie season. He also passed Michael Vick to become the youngest quarterback to win a playoff game. His three touchdown passes on the day tied a playoff record for TDs by a rookie.

He closed out his debut NFL season with 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. His 23-5 pass TD-INT ratio led the NFL, making him the youngest player in NFL history to do so. His yardage total was the third-most by a rookie, trailing only Andrew Luck and Justin Herbert.

After a rookie season that quite literally had it all, Stroud gets a fitting award to commemorate one of the best seasons by a first-year quarterback ever.