HOUSTON – When the Texans signed former University of Texas wide receiver Silas Bolden to their practice squad, the transaction reunited him with one of his oldest and closest friends.
Bolden played youth sports and in high school with Texans star quarterback C.J. Stroud in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
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“Man, it’s surreal,” Bolden told KPRC 2. “We haven’t played together in a while. I’m just going to thank God for it.”
Bolden and his parents hung out with Stroud during a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings. When he was released by Minnesota during the roster cutdown to 53 players, he found himself quickly back in Texas and back with Stroud.
“I just never knew,” Bolden said of the meet-up. “I’m glad to be here in Houston. Glad to be around these guys and ready to get to work.”
The Texans also re-signed cornerback D’Angelo Ross to their practice squad and added former New England Patriots offensive lineman Sidy Sow.
Bolden, the younger brother of former NFL wide receiver Victor Bolden, signed with the Vikings as an undrafted rookie in the spring.
Bolden, 23, played basketball and youth football with Stroud and then as teammates in high school.
New #Texans practice squad wide receiver Silas Bolden on reuniting with high school and youth sports teammate C.J. Stroud 'Surreal moment' @silasbolden_ @TexasFootball @RCHSCougarsFB @KPRC2 https://t.co/XWTXcCVBD5 pic.twitter.com/ZCasEgZuhe
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 3, 2025
Mr. & Mrs. Bolden with RCHS Alumni Legends @CJ7STROUD/@HoustonTexans & @silasbolden_/ @Vikings after their pre-season game vs each other. Let that sink in...🙏🏽#WeAreRancho🖤💜 pic.twitter.com/3QsZn0xkJw
— RCHS Football (@RCHSCougarsFB) August 12, 2025
Bolden transferred to Texas from Oregon State.
For the Longhorns, Bolden was the starting punt returner. He scored a touchdown against Oklahoma on a fumble recovery. He had a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown against Arizona State in the Peach Bowl.
“It means a lot," Bolden said. “I got family in Texas, so it means a lot to come back to Texas.”
Bolden (5-foot-8, 175) caught 102 passes for 1,319 yards and two touchdowns in college. He caught 22 passes for 243 yards and one score for the Longhorns last season. He had a career-high 54 catches for 746 yards for Oregon State in 2023.
He averaged 24.8 yards per kickoff return and 12.8 yards per punt return overall for his career with two punts returned for scores.
In high school, he caught 132 passes for 2,091 yards and 23 touchdowns and rushed for 290 yards and two touchdowns.
In his final season at Oregon State, he was named second-team All-Pac-12 Conference as a return specialist.
“For me, just a guy who wants to come in and work hard,” Bolden said. “Wherever I see opportunity, I’m just making the most of my opportunity.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com