If the Houston Texans are going to punch their ticket to the postseason for a third straight year, they’ll have wide receiver Nico Collins to thank in a big way. The man they call “Mr. Consistency” is living up to the nickname-and then some.
In Sunday’s 40-20 win over the Arizona Cardinals, Collins hit a major milestone: 1,000 receiving yards on the season. That marks his third straight year hitting the four-digit mark, putting him in rare company in Texans history.
Only DeAndre Hopkins and Hall of Famer Andre Johnson had done it before him. Now, Collins joins that elite group.
“That was definitely one of my goals,” Collins said after the game. “But I’ve got to keep stacking days, having fun, reaching my goals, and continuing to be great.” It’s the kind of grounded, workmanlike mindset that’s defined his rise from third-round pick in 2021 to one of the league’s most dependable wideouts.
Collins wasted no time making his presence felt on Sunday. On just the second play from scrimmage, he broke free across the middle and hauled in a 57-yard touchdown from quarterback C.J.
Stroud-a tone-setting strike that showcased their growing chemistry and Collins’ big-play ability. That reception was his 11th of 50-plus yards since 2023, the most in the NFL over that span.
He’s also now tied with Tyreek Hill for the second-most 50-plus yard touchdown catches since the start of last season.
He finished the game with three catches for 85 yards and two touchdowns, including another score late in the fourth quarter that helped seal the win. It wasn’t a high-volume day, but it was classic Collins-efficient, explosive, and impactful.
Stroud, who’s quickly developed into one of the league’s most promising young quarterbacks, couldn’t say enough about his go-to guy. “I’m super proud of Nico,” he said.
“That’s my brother. I missed him on a couple out there.
I owe him a couple more. I think he’s one of the best in the league, and it’s proven every year.”
That respect isn’t just coming from the quarterback room. Head coach DeMeco Ryans echoed the praise, calling Collins “unstoppable” and highlighting his ability to come down with the ball in contested situations.
“He’s had an outstanding year again,” Ryans said. “We’re not even done, and he’s eclipsed that 1,000-yard mark again.
The consistency he operates with every single week-the joy, the energy-it’s unmatched.”
And Ryans is right. Collins doesn’t make a lot of noise off the field, but on Sundays, he’s been as reliable as they come. His 2024 Pro Bowl season set the bar high, but with three games left in the regular season, he’s on pace to surpass last year’s totals of 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns in just 12 games-assuming he stays healthy.
That’s the goal for Collins: finish strong and keep pushing. “I just want to compete every single time and take advantage of my opportunities,” he said.
“I’m trying to go to that [Super] Bowl, so every win matters at this point. We’ve got to keep winning, have each other’s backs, and keep making plays.”
With the Las Vegas Raiders coming to NRG Stadium next, the Texans are eyeing their third straight 10-win season-a mark that once felt out of reach for this franchise not long ago. But thanks to players like Collins, who bring it every week with consistency and quiet confidence, Houston is very much in the mix.
Big plays, big moments, and a big-time receiver who keeps delivering. That’s been the Nico Collins story. And if he keeps this up, the best chapters may still be ahead.