SANTA FE – Nico Collins scanned the field while holding the football and picking out his targets before heaving a deep pass.
Normally, Collins is on the receiving end of those type of throws as the Texans’ Pro Bowl wide receiver and expert at contested catches.
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On Saturday, Collins was in a different role as the permanent quarterback during his annual youth football camp at Santa Fe High School. Collins had a good time throwing touchdown passes to 625 campers in partnership with FlexWork Sports.
“It’s always a blessing to come out and hang out with the kids, spend this wonderful day with the kids,” Collins told KPRC 2. “It’s always a blessing to come out to see the kids’ faces, smiling, and just having fun, enjoying the moment. That’s what it’s all about.”
#Texans Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins has gotten to know this young man at all of his annual youth football camps. It means the world to him to interact each year and be a part of the camp experience 'Show him love and support'@KPRC2 @FlexWorkSports @nfl@DrewJRosenhaus https://t.co/nv86IChFBY pic.twitter.com/debVaodiNE
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 9, 2026
Collins spent a lot of time Saturday talking with a young man that uses a wheelchair and has attended several of his camps. He brought him onto the field for a couple of plays to make sure he was included in the fun.
“My mission is just to show everybody that everyone is equal, make him feel like he can do the same thing, feel loved,” Collins said. “So, I just want to give him love and show him the love and support from me. I’m glad that he came and be able to come out and have fun here today.”
For Collins, having his family with him at these camp events, including his father and brother Saturday, makes the experience a lot more fun.
“That’s most important,” Collins said. “My family is everything. Your family, that’s the stepping stone and I’m glad they’re in my corner.”
#Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins @lbg_nico7 gives back, and plays quarterback for over 600 kids at his annual youth football camp. 'It was great. It's always a blessing' @KPRC2 @FlexWorkSports pic.twitter.com/vx8oEOdf6t
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 9, 2026
Collins is one of the Texans’ most active players in the community. Between his football camps, shopping sprees for kids at Dick’s Sporting Goods and giving out food with the Salvation Army, Collins devotes himself to giving back. That’s the legacy he wants off the field.
“That’s always my mission, always give back to the community,” Collins said. “I love that, it’s part of me, part of my heart. Give back to the youth, family that’s in need, and just always just have a big heart with that.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com