Derrick Lewis has stirred online debate after attributing CJ Stroud’s latest playoff disappointment to what he described as a celebrity “curse.”
The comments followed another postseason exit for the Houston Texans, who fell in the divisional round and extended a frustrating trend under head coach DeMeco Ryans.
Speaking days after the loss, Lewis shifted focus away from tactics and execution. Instead, he pointed to Stroud’s past public appearances alongside Kim Kardashian and Amber Rose.
Lewis suggested those moments coincided with a downturn in the quarterback’s postseason fortunes. His remarks quickly circulated online, prompting fans to debate whether pressure, coincidence, or distraction played any role.
Ocho wants the smoke with Derrick Lewis after he said C.J. Stroud is cursed because of the Kardashians 🤣@ShannonSharpe @ochocinco #Nightcap pic.twitter.com/DcMNggaWS1
— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) January 23, 2026The Texans’ season ended with a 28–16 loss to the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The defeat highlighted offensive struggles and costly mistakes.
Stroud completed 20 of 47 passes for 193 yards, threw four interceptions, and added one touchdown. A pick-six shifted momentum decisively in New England’s favour and left Houston chasing the game.
Despite promise during the regular season, the Texans have now exited the playoffs at the divisional stage for three consecutive years. The franchise still awaits its first-ever conference championship appearance.
On the opposite sideline, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye delivered a composed performance. He threw three touchdown passes, finished 16 of 27 for 179 yards, and guided New England to the AFC Championship Game.
The victory marked the Patriots’ 16th conference championship appearance and their first since the 2018 season, which concluded with a Super Bowl win under Bill Belichick.
While Lewis’ theory leaned into superstition, the Texans now face renewed scrutiny over how to translate regular-season potential into postseason success.
