Nico Collins, the 6-foot-4 wide receiver for the Houston Texans, has become a pivotal figure in the NFL. From his collegiate days at the University of Michigan to his current role with the Texans, Collins’ journey is a testament to perseverance, talent, and adaptability.
College Career: Foundations at Michigan
Nico Collins began his collegiate journey at the University of Michigan in 2017. Over three seasons, he showcased his potential:
-
2018 Season: Collins emerged as a standout, recording 38 receptions for 632 yards and six touchdowns. His performance earned him the team’s Most Improved Offensive Player award.
-
2019 Season: He further elevated his game, amassing 37 receptions for 729 yards and seven touchdowns. Notably, he had a career-best 165 receiving yards and three touchdowns in a single game against Indiana.
Despite opting out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Collins left Michigan with 78 receptions for 1,388 yards and 13 touchdowns over his college career.
NFL Draft and Early Career
In the 2021 NFL Draft, Collins was selected by the Houston Texans in the third round as the 89th overall pick. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 215 pounds, his physical attributes made him an appealing prospect for the Texans.
Contract and Financial Milestones
In May 2024, Collins secured a significant financial commitment from the Texans. He signed a three-year contract extension valued at $72.75 million, with $52 million guaranteed. The deal includes a $17 million signing bonus and has a maximum value of $75 million.
To provide immediate salary cap relief, the Texans restructured Collins’ contract in March 2025, converting a portion of his 2025 base salary into a signing bonus. This move freed up $9.8 million in cap space, aiding the team’s flexibility in roster management.
Injury History and Recovery
Throughout his career, Collins has faced several injuries:
-
2022: Foot and groin issues sidelined him for multiple games.
-
2023: A calf injury led to missed games, affecting his consistency.
-
2024: A hamstring injury resulted in a stint on injured reserve.
As of October 2025, Collins was evaluated for a potential concussion during a game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Performance and Impact
Since the arrival of quarterback C.J. Stroud, Collins has flourished. The duo developed a strong on-field connection, with Collins recording back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. Their synergy has been instrumental in the Texans’ offensive success.
Outlook
With his contract secured and a promising partnership with Stroud, Nico Collins is poised to remain a cornerstone of the Texans’ receiving corps. His blend of size, skill, and experience positions him as a key asset for the team’s future endeavors.
