If the Houston Texans make it to the postseason for the third consecutive year, one player they will have to thank is wide receiver Nico Collins, aka “Mr. Consistency.”
On Sunday, during their 40-20 win over the Arizona Cardinals, Collins reached 1,000 yards receiving for the third consecutive year.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe now joins former wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Johnson as the only players in franchise history to record 1,000-plus receiving yards in three consecutive seasons.
“That was definitely one of my goals, and I have to continue to be great,” said Collins exclusively to Big Sarge Media about his accomplishment. “I have to keep stacking days, having fun, reaching my goals, and continuing to be great. It is another year, another blessing for sure, but I feel like I have to continue to be myself and reach above my limit.”
Collins set the tone early in the game when he broke free across the middle for a 57-yard touchdown pass from quarterback C.J. Stroud on the second play from scrimmage. It was his 11th reception of 50-plus yards since 2023, the most in the NFL over that period, and tied Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (5) for the second-most 50-plus yard touchdown receptions since 2023.
Photo Credit - @Troy Taormina - Imagn ImagesHe finished the day with three receptions for 85 yards and added another score late in the fourth quarter.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I’m super proud of Nico,” said Stroud after the game. “That’s my brother. I missed him on a couple out there. I owe him a couple more. I’m really proud of him and the work he’s put in on his body, on his game. I think he’s one of the best in the league, and it’s proven every year. Let’s keep this streak going.”
Collins, who the Texans drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, is looking to duplicate his 2024 season, in which he was selected to the Pro Bowl.
If he stays healthy for the final three regular-season games, his stats should surpass last season, when he finished with 1,006 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in just 12 games.
“I just want to finish strong,” Collins said about the remaining regular-season games. “I want to go out and compete every single time and take advantage of my opportunities. I am trying to go to that [Super] Bowl, so every win matters at this point. We have to continue to just win, have each other’s backs and continue to make plays.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith the Las Vegas Raiders heading into NRG Stadium on Sunday, the Texans will be aiming for their third straight season with at least 10 wins, and Collins has played a vital role in the team’s success during that period.
Photo Credit - @Thomas Shea - Imagn Images“Big playmaker,” said Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans about Collins. “He’s unstoppable. He does a great job. Any time the ball is in his vicinity, I know some type of way he’s coming down with the football. A guy who doesn’t say much, but he’s had an outstanding year again. We’re not even done, and he has eclipsed that 1,000-yard mark again.
“I’m proud of him for how he shows up, the consistency that he operates with every single week. The joy that he brings and shows up with, the smile and energy, it’s unmatched. So, you love to see a guy like that doing well…He shows up no matter what the coverage is, no matter who he’s up against. He is always going to show up big for us in any game.”
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