Nico Collins Nominated for Sportsmanship Award by the Houston Texans

In the high-intensity world of the NFL, where competition often fuels intensity, sportsmanship stands out as a virtue that defines great players beyond their stats. This season, the Houston Texans have recognized that virtue in wide receiver Nico Collins, nominating him for the team’s annual Sportsmanship Award—a honor that celebrates players who exhibit respect, integrity, and fair play both on and off the field. Collins, a fourth-year player and the Texans’ leading receiver, has not only emerged as a offensive standout but also as a role model for his teammates, opponents, and young fans. His nomination isn’t just a nod to his character; it’s a reflection of how he embodies the Texans’ core values of teamwork, humility, and excellence. Nico Collins Nominated for Sportsmanship Award by the Houston Texans isn’t just about an award—it’s about celebrating a player who proves that success in football can go hand in hand with kindness and respect.

Nico Collins Nominated for Sportsmanship Award by the Houston Texans begins with Collins’ on-field conduct, which has set him apart as one of the league’s most respectful competitors. Throughout the 2024 season, Collins has consistently demonstrated sportsmanship in high-pressure moments: he helps opponents up after tackles, congratulates defenders on well-executed plays, and avoids trash talk or unsportsmanlike penalties (he has zero flags for unsportsmanlike conduct this season). His most memorable display came in Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, when he caught a 40-yard touchdown pass but immediately checked on Jaguars cornerback Darious Williams, who had fallen awkwardly during the play. “Nico doesn’t let the heat of the moment change who he is,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He competes with everything he has—he’s physical, he’s tough, he’s a playmaker—but he never loses sight of respect for the game and the people playing it. That’s rare in this league, and it’s why his teammates and coaches admire him so much.” Collins’ on-field sportsmanship has also earned him praise from opponents: Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson called him “a class act” after the Week 9 game, noting that “players like Nico make this sport better.”

A critical aspect of Nico Collins Nominated for Sportsmanship Award by the Houston Texans is Collins’ off-field leadership and commitment to community—qualities that extend his sportsmanship beyond the gridiron. Collins is actively involved in the Texans’ community outreach programs, including visits to children’s hospitals, youth football clinics, and anti-bullying initiatives. He often uses his platform to emphasize the importance of respect and fair play to young athletes, sharing stories about how his parents taught him to compete with integrity. In October, Collins hosted a “Sportsmanship Clinic” for 200 local middle school students, where he led drills focused on teamwork and encouraged kids to “win with grace and lose with dignity.” “Nico doesn’t just talk about sportsmanship—he lives it, and he wants to pass that on to the next generation,” Texans community relations director Cal McNair said. “He shows up for our community events with genuine enthusiasm, and the kids look up to him not just because he’s an NFL player, but because he’s a good person. That’s the kind of impact that goes far beyond football.”

Nico Collins Nominated for Sportsmanship Award by the Houston Texans is particularly meaningful for the Houston Texans’ locker room, where Collins has emerged as a quiet leader who sets the tone for his teammates. As the Texans’ No. 1 receiver, Collins could easily take on a selfish role, but he instead prioritizes the team: he shares credit with offensive linemen after big catches, stays late to practice with young receivers like Tank Dell, and advocates for his teammates in team meetings. When the Texans faced a three-game losing streak in November, Collins organized a players-only meeting where he focused on unity, not blame—urging his teammates to “compete for each other, not just for ourselves.” “Nico is the heart of our offense,” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “He’s not the loudest guy in the locker room, but he leads by example. When you see the team’s best player helping rookies, congratulating opponents, and putting the team first, it makes everyone else want to do better. His sportsmanship isn’t just his own—it’s contagious.” For the Houston Texans, Collins’ leadership has been key to their growth this season; the team has improved from 3-13 in 2023 to 7-5 in 2024, and many players credit Collins’ positive influence for the turnaround.

Another key element of Nico Collins Nominated for Sportsmanship Award by the Houston Texans is the significance of the Sportsmanship Award itself, and why Collins is a fitting nominee. The Texans’ Sportsmanship Award, established in 2010, is voted on by coaches, players, and team staff, and recognizes individuals who “exemplify the highest standards of sportsmanship, both on and off the field.” Past winners include legends like J.J. Watt and Andre Johnson—players who were not only great athletes but also respected leaders. This year, Collins was selected from a pool of five nominees, including defensive end Jonathan Greenard and linebacker Blake Cashman, due to his consistent display of respect, humility, and team-first attitude. “The Sportsmanship Award is one of our most prestigious honors because it’s about character, not just performance,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said. “Nico embodies everything this award stands for. He’s a great player, but more importantly, he’s a great person—and that’s what we want the Houston Texans to represent.” For the Houston Texans, Collins’ nomination also sends a message to the league: the team values character as much as talent, and they’re building a roster of players who make the organization proud.

Finally, Nico Collins Nominated for Sportsmanship Award by the Houston Texans wraps up with Collins’ reaction to the nomination, and what it means for his career and legacy. In an interview after the announcement, Collins emphasized that the nomination was “a team honor,” not an individual one. “I learned from a young age that sportsmanship is about more than just playing the game—it’s about how you treat people,” Collins said. “I’m grateful to the Texans for recognizing that, but this nomination is really a reflection of the people around me: my coaches, my teammates, my family. They’ve taught me to compete with integrity, and I just try to pass that on.” Collins also noted that he hopes his nomination inspires other players to prioritize sportsmanship. “Football is a tough sport, but you don’t have to be a jerk to be good at it,” he said. “You can compete hard, win games, and still be kind and respectful. That’s the legacy I want to leave.” Nico Collins Nominated for Sportsmanship Award by the Houston Texans ultimately reveals this truth: in a league often defined by rivalries and intensity, sportsmanship remains a powerful force—and players like Nico Collins are keeping that tradition alive. For the Houston Texans, Collins’ nomination is a source of pride, and a reminder that the team’s greatest strength isn’t just its talent, but the character of its players.