Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin made it clear he’s not pleased with the Houston Texans’ rising star, C.J. Stroud. Appearing on *The Green Light With Chris Long* podcast, Franklin didn’t hold back, expressing his frustration and sending a stark warning to the young quarterback ahead of the 2024 NFL season.
Zaire Franklin’s Grievance with C.J. Stroud
“It really is Houston,” Franklin declared, emphasizing the Colts’ growing rivalry with the Texans in the AFC South. Despite his support for emerging quarterbacks, Franklin couldn’t overlook Stroud’s confidence, revealing, “C.J., he done said a lot of wild stuff to me in our run-ins. … He is feeling himself. … I need to see that boy again.”
His frustration seemed rooted in Stroud’s self-perception of his performance against the Colts last season. Stroud reportedly touted his ability to “cook” Indianapolis in both games. However, Franklin didn’t see it that way.
Revisiting the Rivalry Between C.J. Stroud and Zaire Franklin
The Week 2 clash between the Colts and Texans is etched in Franklin’s memory, where Indianapolis claimed a 31-20 victory on Houston’s turf. Stroud threw for 384 yards and two touchdowns, but the Colts linebacker remembers a different story.
Colts LB Zaire Franklin stokes rivalry with Texans, C.J. Stroud: "I have to remind him as well that he's never beaten Anthony [Richardson]."https://t.co/fuxSKnhnOc pic.twitter.com/Ohcrj1my57
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) May 9, 2024
Franklin recalls, “When you played Anthony [Richardson], it was like 28-7 in the second quarter, we were kind of blowing you out. … Yeah, you threw for 300 yards but…” He pointedly added, “If that’s what you consider a cooking with the loss, I mean congratulations.”
Stroud’s second encounter with the Colts in the season finale earned Houston a division title with a 23-19 win, but Franklin remains unflinching, noting, “I have to remind him as well that he’s never beaten Anthony.”
Setting the Stage for 2024
Despite the improved Tennessee Titans and the formidable Jacksonville Jaguars, Franklin firmly believes that the Texans are the team to beat in the AFC South. He’s keenly aware of the Texans’ momentum heading into 2024 but remains adamant that Stroud still has a lot to prove.
With Stroud leading Houston and Franklin anchoring the Colts’ defense, fans eagerly anticipate the renewed rivalry between these teams. Expect nothing less than fireworks when the Colts and Texans collide this season, with Franklin and Stroud right in the middle of the action.
Source: NFL Analysis
