C.J. Stroud gets clowned by fans after throwing interception on first drive in NFL against Patriots - “Looks scared”, “Bust”

C.J. Stroud finally started his first game as a pro, but his first drive did not go as well as he had hoped.

On Thursday, the Houston Texans rookie quarterback, who had been chosen No. 2 in the draft, took the field against the New England Patriots.

Early in the game, he was intercepted by cornerback Jalen Mills:

That play immediately attracted derision from fans:

That pick turned into a field goal for New England kicker Nick Folk.

However, the Texans did redeem themselves with a touchdown pass by Davis Mills to Stroud's fellow rookie Tank Dell just before the first half expired:

Tight end Dalton Keene, who began his career in Foxboro, then snuck in in the third to extend the Texans' lead:

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C.J. Stroud's contract details

Like all rookies, C.J. Stroud is on a four-year contract. He reportedly signed it on July 24 after weeks of speculation.

The contract is worth $36 million, all of it guaranteed as is the case for freshmen, with a $23.38 million signing bonus. As a first-round choice, Stroud is entitled to a fifth-year option.

The Houston Texans, however, have never officially announced his signing, as they continue to assess his performance in camp.

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C.J. Stroud's college stats

Stroud brings with him a decently accomplished career at Ohio State.

Initially backing up Justin Fields as a redshirt, he played just one snap in 2020, rushing for a 48-yard touchdown.

In his true first season, Stroud immediately broke out, completing 317 attempts on 4,435 yards and recording 44 touchdowns with six interceptions.

He posted a passer rating of 186.6 and received multiple awards:

• First-Team All-Big 10
• Third-Team All-American
• Big 10 Freshman of the Year
• Big 10 Quarterback of the Year
• Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year

He was also a finalist for the Davey O'Brien Award and Heisman Trophy (finishing fourth in voting for the latter) and led the Buckeyes to a comeback 48-45 victory over Utah in the Rose Bowl.

In his sophomore season, Stroud continued his excellence, completing 258 passes on 3,688 yards and 41 touchdowns against six interceptions. He posted a passer rating of 176.2 and received the following awards:

• First-Team All-Big 10
• Second-Team All-American
• Big 10 Quarterback of the Year
• Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year

Once again, he was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, finishing third behind USC's Caleb Williams and TCU's Max Duggan. However, the Buckeyes lost the Peach Bowl 41-42 to the eventual-champions, the Georgia Bulldogs.