Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the season in Week 15 against the Arizona Cardinals, and he received plenty of high praise for his efforts.
Collins is in his fifth NFL season.
He has established himself as the Texans’ No. 1 option in the passing game, leveraging his strong chemistry with quarterback C.J. Stroud. Stroud was effusive with praise in his comments regarding Collins’ latest feat.
C.J. Stroud Praises Nico Collins After Texans Win
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans looks on after the game against the Arizona Cardinals.
StatMuse noted in a post on X after the game that with his three-catch, 85-yard, 2-touchdown performance in Week 15, Collins “joins Andre [Johnson] and DeAndre [Hopkins] as the only Texans with 1,000+ receiving yards in three-straight seasons.”
Moreover, Stroud said that there are even greater heights they can reach as a duo.
“I’m just super proud of Nico,” Stroud told reporters on December 14. “That’s my brother, man. I missed him on a couple out there. I owe him a couple more. But I’m just really proud of him and the work he’s put in on his body, on his game. And I think he’s one of the best in the league, and it’s proven every year. So, let’s keep this streak going.”
Collins, the No. 89 overall pick of the 2021 draft, has 75-plus yards in six of his last seven games, and recorded 55 yards in the other.
Collins entered the league in the same draft class as former Texans starter and Stroud’s current backup, Davis Mills. He stepped up as expected this season, when Mills had to fill in during Stroud’s three-game absence in concussion protocol.
Still, the connection between Collins and Stroud is key for the Texans and has been working.
“I think you know me and Nic, we’ve been together for three years now. And [he’s] somebody who I’ve seen work,” Stroud said. “Done a great job being a leader. He stepped up. A captain this year. To see his work pay off a little bit is amazing and is dope. So, super proud of him. And [their sideline interaction was] just showing each other love, like we always do.”
The praise was not one-sided, with Collins also heaping strong comments on Stroud and his standing among his QB peers.
“When 7 on, he on, and you see it,” Collins told reporters on December 14. “I feel like, when he gets hot, he’s probably the best – he is the best quarterback. Dude’s special in all levels, and I’m glad he’s here. I’m glad he’s a Texan, for sure.”
DeMeco Ryans Touts C.J. Stroud’s Connection With Nico Collins
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 speaks with Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans against the Seattle Seahawks.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said after the game that Collins and Stroud’s relationship is symbiotic. Ryans also called Collins a “big playmaker” and said he is “unstoppable.”
Ryans said Collins’ “consistency,” demeanor, and effort are “unmatched.”
“He does a great job. Anytime the ball is in his vicinity, I know some type of way, he’s coming down with the football. He’s a guy who doesn’t say much, but he’s had an outstanding, outstanding year again, and we’re not even done,” Ryans told reporters on December 14.
“You love to see a guy like that doing well, all right. He’s not able to do that without C.J. and him finding that connection. So, they’ve done a really great job, and [they] got one call back on one of his biggest plays. I hate that for him, but he shows up no matter what. No matter what the coverage is, no matter who he’s up against, he’s always going to show up big for us.”
Stroud’s other favorite target, Tank Dell, is still recovering from a knee injury. So, Collins’ ability to produce consistently is paramount for the Texans.
Texans’ Nico Collins Draws Telling Feedback After Latest Career Milestone