CJ Stroud Compares Nico Collins to Houston Texans Legend: ‘He’s Our Andre Johnson’

Nico Collins’ breakout year in 2023 has him poised to add his name to the franchise’s rich wide receiver history. In compiling a career-high 1,297 yards on 80 catches and eight touchdowns last season, Collins became the fourth player in franchise history to reach more than 1,000 yards. He joined Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins and Brandin Cooks.

Collins’ success is one of many reasons the Texans will enter the 2024 season as Super Bowl contenders. But his breakout year also has quarterback CJ Stroud believing Collins’ talents could be on the same level as those of Johnson, who will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August.

READ MORE: Texans’ Nico Collins Maintains ‘Motivation’ After $72.5M Extension

“He’s a generational talent – ​​he’s like the Andre Johnson of our era, in my opinion, as far as his quickness, the way he gets in and out of his braces, his releases, his strength,” Stroud said . “I’m just proud of this guy. My brother, Nico, he showed up and showed out. When his number is called, he always plays.”

Stroud believes last season was a glimpse of Collins’ greatness. He took the helm as the team’s leading receiver in the Texans’ Week 2 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He finished the game with a career-high 146 yards on seven catches. However, Collins would eclipse his career high several times during the year.

He recorded five games with over 100 receiving yards. His best came in the Texans’ season finale victory over the Colts, posting 195 yards with nine catches and a touchdown.

Although the Texans added Stefon Diggs during the offseason, the mandatory three-day minicamp proved that Collins will still play a vital role in Houston’s passing attack.

Stroud connected with Collins several times during team scrimmages. One of Stroud’s touchdown passes to Collins came when the 6-foot-4 wideout won his one-on-one battle against Derek Stingley Jr.

“One thing I’m proud of for him is the work never stopped — he’s constantly working here on his body, his hands, his mobility in the weight room,” Stroud said.

“I think we have five number ones, so it’s pretty cool to have it. I already had it in college and now I have it again. It’s going to be fun. Nico, he loves to see everyone eats too.” His love for his brothers has not changed. It’s a special feeling to see someone who deserves to be paid and get what they deserve. “

READ MORE: Bobby Slowik “Making Things Easier” Ahead of Second Season

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Follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24.