Nico Collins is a fan favorite and is always looking to give back to the young Houston Texans‘ fans.
So you can imagine his frustration when the NFL fined him around $5,000 after celebrating with a young fan following his first touchdown reception since Week 5’s win over the Buffalo Bills.
Collins, Houston’s leading receiver, found his way into the end zone for a 5-yard touchdown pass during the second quarter to give the Texans a 20-17 lead in Week 12 against the Tennessee Titans.
The Pro Bowl-caliber target tossed the ball toward a young kid in the crowd before leaping onto the wall to celebrate with them. After spotting the kid looking extra excited, Collins said he wanted to make his day.
“He was screaming,” Collins said. “So, I was thinking ‘Here you go big dog. Here’s the ball.’ ”
HE’S BACKKKKK
pic.twitter.com/9xJooqCCem
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 24, 2024
The NFL wasn’t a fan of the memory created by Collins and slapped him with a fine Thursday afternoon. Collins said he was confused about why the league would fine him for a positive celebration.
“I guess they think you’re going to poke somebody in the eye or something,” Collins said.
Another point was this wasn’t Collins’ first time he’d thrown a ball into the stands, but it was the first time he was fined. He plans to appeal the fine and hopes it will be expunged.
Nico Collins says it was “worth” the fine in order to give the kid the football.
“Only that mattered was making that kid happy. He will never forget that moment.” pic.twitter.com/nRcbFX6P72
— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) December 13, 2024
Even if it sticks on his record, Collins said seeing the young fans’ gratitude was rewarding enough.
“Definitely worth it,” Collins said. “Only thing that matters was making that kid happy. He’s never going to forget that moment, so that’s all that matters to me.”
The Texans return to NRG Stadium to take on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at noon CT.