Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins. Amy Kontras-Imagn Images

Texans WR Nico Collins expresses support for QB C.J. Stroud after playoff disaster

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Feb 1, 2026 1:43 PM ET

The Houston Texans have a lot to think about this offseason, with the biggest question mark surrounding quarterback, C.J. Stroud. After a stellar rookie season Stroud seemed like the future for the Texans, but a lack of progression and a disastrous showing in the 2025 playoffs have raised questions.

After leading the Texans to 10 straight wins (nine in the regular season) in 2025, Stroud came up short in the Divisional Round against the New England Patriots, where he threw four interceptions and took three sacks. Despite his struggles in one of the biggest games of his NFL career, Stroud has the support of his teammates, with wide receiver Nico Collins calling Stroud a “freak of an athlete.”

"Just keep your head up," Collins said when asked by KPRC2's Aaron Wilson what he's told Stroud since the loss. "Like, it's not the way we want to end, you know what I'm saying? Our goal was to go to the Super Bowl, but things happen. Just keep being you, brother. Don't let this one game define who you are. We all know who you are. Keep being a star. Keep being a leader you are. Keep being the light in the room and just keep being you. The dude's a baller, man. One freak of an athlete. So, I'm excited for next year. Just can't wait to get back on the field with the guys, get back grinding, and continue to be great."

Collins was the Texans' leading receiver in 2025, having his fourth 1,000-yard season (1,117) and leading the team in touchdowns (six).

C.J. Stroud needs to prove that his shortcomings in the playoffs won't define him

Even though Stroud wasn't great in the playoffs, throwing for a total of 462 yards with two touchdowns and five interceptions, he was solid once again in the regular season, throwing for 3,041 yards with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Stroud also had a career low of 23 sacks after having 52 the season before (2024).

Stroud was on track to get a big payday until hitting this snag. Under contract for 2026 and with a fifth-year option for 2027, the Texans face a tough decision on whether to pay Stroud or not.

Stroud faces a tough road for next season to prove he's better than what fans saw in the Divisional Round, but with Collins and others showing him support, Stroud has a solid foundation of confidence to build on.

Zachary Cariola

My name is Zachary Cariola and I have been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My areas of expertise are MLB, NBA, and NFL. When I’m not writing, I love spending time with my family and learning history.

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