Since their showdown for the AFC South title in the final week of the previous season, Colts linebacker EJ Speed and Texans quarterback CJ Stroud have become regular fixtures on various podcasts, discussing their experiences from the 2023 season and delving into personal aspects of their lives. While Stroud doesn’t host his own podcast like Speed does, he’s been making waves in the football community through numerous guest appearances during the offseason. Conversely, Speed primarily appears on his podcast, “The Trenches Podcast,” alongside his fellow linebacker Zaire Franklin.
A relatively rare occurrence unfolded recently when Speed made a guest appearance on Fanduel TV’s “Up and Adams” with Kay Adams. During this interview, Speed candidly discussed his sentiments towards one of the Colts’ AFC South rivals, the Houston Texans.
Kay Adams initiated the football-centric conversation by inquiring about E.J. Speed’s standout season in 2023, during which he secured a starting role beside Zaire Franklin and amassed impressive statistics, including over 100 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, and a sack. Adams teased the fact that she and her team had been unsuccessful in booking Speed as a guest during the season, to which Speed attributed, “I was too locked in…trying to make the playoffs. I’ve only been to the playoffs one time.”
Adams then prodded Speed if this lack of attention bothered him, adding her belief that the Colts are underrated compared to other NFL teams. “Definitely,” affirmed Speed. “If you look at our roster, there’s a lot of teams that we match up well with.” This prompted Adams to inquire further, asking, “Do y’all match up well against the Texans?”
Speed’s response was playful yet confident, “Oh, you trying to start it up already. You wanna get into it right now? Nah, we actually match up very well against the Texans. One, I’m on the field. Let’s get that clear, but then you know we’ve got our guys. They made some big moves in the offseason though, I’ll give them that. But you know what I mean. I’ve got a bone to pick with the Texans.”
When pressed by Adams to elaborate, Speed highlighted a perceived criticism from the Texans, stating, “They said I didn’t make any plays so I guess I’ve gotta put the proof in the pudding, huh?” Adams then smoothly transitioned to the topic of CJ Stroud, mentioning his outspoken nature. Speed agreed, noting, “Yeah that’s his thing now. He likes to pop his sh**.”
Although Speed’s concurrence with Adams may appear impartial, it ultimately led him to question, “But I mean, can we say that he has a right to?” Regardless of one’s allegiance to the Colts, the Texans, or their burgeoning rivalry, it’s evident that not everyone is thrilled about the rapid acclaim CJ Stroud has received. E.J. Speed is among those who take exception, likely seeking retribution against the Houston Texans, not only for ending the Colts’ season in 2023 but also for downplaying his significance within the Colts’ defense. Whether it’s friendly offseason banter or not, the Colts-Texans rivalry seems to be intensifying.
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