Empathy is Leadership

I’ve noticed several people bringing attention to C.J. Stroud’s emotions yesterday, with some criticizing him for it. I want to take a moment to clarify what true leadership looks like. A real leader deeply cares for their team—they feel for them, they hurt when their teammates are hurting, and yes, they might even cry for them. Leadership isn’t about being an emotionless wall; it’s about having the strength to show vulnerability when it matters. What C.J. demonstrated yesterday was the mark of a true leader, and I couldn’t imagine anyone better suited to be the quarterback of the Texans.