WATCH: Former Ohio State stars C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields share heartwarming moment on field during Texans vs Steelers matchup
C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields turned back the clock for the Ohio State Buckeyes fans during the Texans vs. Steelers NFL preseason game. Former Ohio State athletes conversed before sharing a hug on the field.
The Texans defeated the Steelers 20-12 at Acrisure Stadium, with Stroud making an impressive debut. Despite his brief performance, Stroud's poise under pressure was evident as he maneuvered the pockets well and connected with his targets. Stroud threw for 41 yards on 2-for-4 passes, including one touchdown.
On the other side, Fields had a mixed outing in his preseason debut for the Steelers. While his potential was there for everyone to see with some sharp plays, two fumbles and a pair of third-down sacks marred his performance. Fields' starting opportunity came as Russell Wilson was sidelined with an injury.
Also read: Stephen A. Smith throws cold water on fans hoping to see CJ Stroud-like run out of Caleb Williams
C.J. Stroud wasn't happy with Bears over former Ohio teammate's situation
Former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud wasn’t happy about the Chicago Bears' handling of his former Buckeyes athlete, Justin Fields. Bears traded Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers and drafted USC's Caleb Williams as their new franchise quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Stroud expressed frustration over how the Bears failed to support Fields during his time in Chicago. In April, Stroud appeared on Bleacher Report's 2024 NFL Draft Live Show to question the Bears' management about not treating Fields fairly.
"I don't want to throw any shade at the Bears' front office, but why couldn't they do that for Justin?" Stroud said. [04:21:00]
He pointed out that Fields, who was drafted No. 11 overall in 2021, never had the stability or support needed to succeed, unlike Williams, who is being set up for success with a talented roster.
Despite tossing 40 touchdowns in three years with the Bears, Fields struggled with consistency, leading to his trade to Pittsburgh for a 2025 sixth-round pick.
Meanwhile, Stroud, the NFL Rookie of the Year, thrived in his first season with the Texans, throwing for over 4,100 yards and leading his team to an AFC South title.