HOUSTON -- Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud sprinted sideline to sideline on an otherwise unoccupied practice field Thursday following a boiling hot joint practice with the Carolina Panthers .

A few yards away was Stroud's family -- and a childhood friend. Stroud's mom, Kimberly, and brother Asmar stood under a tall, shaded medical tent, entrenched in gleeful conversations with Panthers quarterback Bryce Young and his parents, Craig and Julie Young.

After the extra conditioning, Stroud strolled over to embrace Young and his family.

It's not unusual to see players from different teams strike up a friendship, but this relationship is different. From 14-year-old football rivals in California to AAU hoops competitors through SEC wars to going 1-2 [Young-Stroud] in the 2023 draft, there'

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