The Houston Texans have seen four quarterbacks exceed 10,000 career passing yards since their inception over two decades ago. Among these players is C.J. Stroud, the current quarterback for the Texans, who now joins the ranks of franchise legends David Carr, Deshaun Watson, and the all-time leader, Matt Schaub.
Although Schaub has not played since the 2020 season and has not appeared in a Texans uniform since 2013, he is set to embark on a new chapter in his football career. The former NFL quarterback has been confirmed to join the Arizona Cardinals as their quarterbacks coach, a role that marks a first for a Texans QB in a coaching capacity. CBS Sports reporter Matt Zenitz revealed on X that the Cardinals are expected to make the announcement official, bringing Schaub back into the league in a fresh and impactful way.
Schaub, initially a third-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2004 draft, became a cornerstone of the Texans’ franchise during his tenure. He played 90 of his 155 career games as a Texan and leads the franchise in numerous passing categories, including games played, passing attempts, touchdowns, and interceptions.
The Houston Chronicle’s Sam Warren noted Schaub’s legacy in the franchise, highlighting his memorable achievement of leading the NFL in passing yards in 2009 with 4,770 yards. As the first Texan to accomplish this, he set a historic single-season record for the franchise. Schaub also played a crucial role in helping the Texans reach the playoffs for the first time in 2011, even though his season was cut short due to injury. His contributions did not stop there, as he continued to guide the team back to the playoffs the following year, culminating in their first playoff victory in franchise history.
Despite his ups and downs, including a tumultuous 2013 season, Schaub was instrumental in establishing the Texans as a competitive force in the league, helping them rise from the bottom of the AFC rankings.
As the Texans look toward the future, they are navigating critical decisions regarding their quarterback situation. C.J. Stroud is solidified as the starting quarterback and is set to enter the final season of his rookie contract, prompting discussions about a potential extension in the near term. His backup, Davis Mills, also finds himself in a crucial position, as he enters the final year of his contract. Mills has proven capable in Stroud’s absence and could become a valuable asset in trade discussions.
In a time when the Texans are investing heavily in Stroud and their future, the legacy of players like Schaub serves as a significant reminder of the importance of both skill and consistency. As the Texans strive to build upon their past successes, they have the opportunity to create a new era of competitiveness and achievement, suggesting a bright horizon ahead for the franchise.