Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud perhaps gained even more fans following his performance during last weekend’s Pro Bowl 7-on-7 flag football game. Stroud was easily the best of the AFC quarterbacks while leading the conference to a 50-34 win over the NFC. He passed for a game-high 173 yards and two touchdowns, which included an impressive touchdown throw to Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase in the second quarter.
Houston to host seven FIFA World Cup matches in 2026
We found out this week that NRG Stadium will be the host site for seven of the 2026 FIFA World Cup games. The soccer matches will take place June 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 30 and July 4. Houston, one of 16 cities across the US, Mexico and Canada to host games during the five-week international soccer championships, will be part of sports history because the World Cup has not been to the U.S. in 32 years.
Jabari Smith Jr. picked for Rising Stars event
Rockets second-year power forward Jabari Smith Jr. has been named to the Rising Stars game during NBA All-Star Weekend for the second year in a row. Smith, who has started every game for the Rockets this season, was averaging 13.1 points and 8.3 rebounds coming out of last weekend. Surprisingly, Rockets rookies Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson were not among the 28 players selected to play on the four seven-player teams that will play in the tournament event. The event will be held Feb. 16 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
P.J. Henry helps TSU scorch Prairie View
Texas Southern guard P.J. Henry scored a game-high 26 points to go along with four steals during the Tigers’ 80-69 win over Prairie View.
Ryann Payne makes impact for Panthers
Prairie View senior guard Ryann Payne was named SWAC Impact Player of the Week after averaging 22 points and four assists last week.
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I’ve been with The Defender since August 2019. I’m a long-time sportswriter who has covered everything from college sports to the Texans and Rockets during my 16 years of living in the Houston market….
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