Last Updated on October 16, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Nico Collins is an American professional football wide receiver for the Houston Texans in the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 19, 1999, in Alabama, his full name is Dominique Stephon Collins. He played college football at the University of Michigan before being selected by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Beyond his successful football career, Collins comes from a close-knit family that has played an important role in his personal and professional development. His father, Don Collins, introduced him to football at an early age, while his mother encouraged discipline, humility, and respect. His older siblings, Aliyah and Deshon Collins, have also supported his journey to NFL success.
In his personal life, Collins has been in a longtime relationship with Samantha Catherine Roy, a former University of Michigan gymnast. Although the couple has attracted attention from football fans, they generally maintain a relatively private relationship.
Who Is Nico Collins’ Girlfriend?
As of now, Nico Collins’ publicly identified girlfriend is Samantha Catherine Roy, commonly known as Sam Roy. She is a former collegiate gymnast who attended the University of Michigan, where Collins also played football.
The couple reportedly began their relationship around September 2020 after becoming acquainted during their college years.
Both were student-athletes at Michigan, giving them a shared understanding of competitive sports, demanding training schedules, and the challenges associated with balancing athletics and academics.
Although Collins has become one of the Houston Texans’ most recognizable players, he and Sam have maintained a relatively low-profile relationship.
Nevertheless, Roy has occasionally supported him publicly through social media posts and appearances at football-related events.
Who Is Samantha Catherine Roy?
Samantha Catherine Roy is a former American collegiate gymnast from Chesterfield, Michigan.
She attended Regina High School before enrolling at the University of Michigan, where she joined the Wolverines women’s gymnastics program.
Before college, Roy trained at Hunts Gymnastics Academy and competed at Level 10, one of the highest levels of the USA Gymnastics developmental program.
During her gymnastics career, she achieved recognition for her athletic performances and academic accomplishments.
She was a member of Michigan teams that won Big Ten championships in 2017 and 2018.
Roy also received Academic All-Big Ten recognition and the University of Michigan Academic Achievement Award.
However, she retired from competitive collegiate gymnastics before the 2018-19 school year.
Following her retirement, Roy became a student assistant coach for Michigan’s women’s gymnastics program and contributed to the team’s continued success.
She also pursued academic studies in neuroscience, eventually graduating from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science degree.
Sam Roy’s Mental Health Advocacy
In addition to her athletic achievements, Sam Roy has been involved in mental health advocacy and initiatives supporting student-athletes.
Her decision to step away from gymnastics was influenced by the challenges she experienced while participating in competitive sports.
She subsequently became involved in conversations about the importance of mental health, personal well-being, and support systems for college athletes.
Roy also helped establish Student-Athlete Sexual Health, an initiative focused on improving awareness and education about sexual health among student-athletes.
Her experiences demonstrate that her professional and personal interests extend beyond her relationship with an NFL player.
According to published profiles, she has also pursued training in acupuncture.
Is Nico Collins Married to Sam Roy?
As of now, Nico Collins has not publicly confirmed marrying Samantha Roy.
Although the couple has maintained a relationship for several years, there is no widely verified announcement establishing that they are legally married.
Roy has generally been identified in published reports as Collins’ girlfriend rather than his wife.
There has also been no reliably confirmed public announcement of their engagement.
Does Nico Collins Have Children?
As of now, there is no verified public information indicating that Nico Collins has any children.
The Houston Texans wide receiver has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and major family profiles have not identified him as a father.
Similarly, there are no reliable reports confirming that Collins and Samantha Roy have welcomed a child together.
Although Collins frequently participates in charitable activities supporting children, those initiatives are unrelated to whether he has children of his own.
For example, he has organized holiday shopping events and football camps for young people in Houston and his hometown in Alabama.
These programs reflect his commitment to supporting families and providing opportunities for children, particularly those experiencing financial difficulties.
However, his personal status as a parent remains unconfirmed in reliable public reporting.
Who Are Nico Collins’ Parents?
Nico Collins was raised by his parents, Don Collins and his mother, identified as Janyth Collins in official University of Michigan records.
A later Houston Chronicle family profile identifies his mother as Saint Lisa, although public reporting does not explain the difference in names.
Collins grew up in Pinson, Alabama, near Birmingham, where his parents emphasized education, discipline, respect, and hard work.
Sports were an important part of the household, and Nico participated in football and basketball during childhood.
Nico Collins’ Father: Don Collins
Don Collins is Nico Collins’ father and one of the most influential people in his football development.
Originally from Michigan, Don eventually settled in Alabama, where he raised his family.
Professionally, he has worked as a surgical technician, a healthcare role involving assistance during surgical procedures.
Despite his demanding profession, Don remained closely involved in his children’s upbringing and athletic activities.
He introduced Nico to organized football when his son was approximately five years old.
According to a September 2018 University of Michigan Athletics profile, Don served as one of Nico’s earliest football coaches.
At first, Nico played quarterback before transitioning to running back and eventually wide receiver.
Don recognized his son’s potential and encouraged him to develop his athletic abilities through consistent practice.
When Nico became a promising high school football player, his father arranged additional training to help him improve his route running, technique, and physical conditioning.
One important step involved connecting Nico with personal position coach Corey Russ, who began working with him during high school.
Russ later recalled that Nico was exceptionally tall and naturally talented but also willing to listen, learn, and improve.
How Don Collins Supported His Son’s NFL Dream
Don Collins remained involved in Nico’s football journey as his son progressed from Clay-Chalkville High School to the University of Michigan.
His connections to Michigan also made the Wolverines a meaningful destination for the family.
During Nico’s college career, Don regularly supported him at football games and encouraged him through difficult moments.
In a later Houston Chronicle interview, Don explained that his son had always demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility.
He recalled that Nico generally preferred resting or training after games rather than participating in activities that could distract him from football.
Don’s encouragement helped establish the work ethic that Nico carried into his professional career.
Even after his son’s success in the NFL, Don continued emphasizing humility, preparation, and responsibility.
Nico Collins’ Mother: Janyth Collins
Janyth Collins is identified as Nico Collins’ mother in official University of Michigan football records and a 2018 university profile.
More recent reporting has referred to his mother as Saint Lisa, creating an unresolved difference in published names.
According to family reporting, his mother worked in human resources while helping raise three children in Alabama.
She played a central role in establishing the family’s values, particularly respect for others, humility, and responsibility.
Collins has spoken about the importance of making his parents proud and demonstrating appreciation for the sacrifices they made during his childhood.
His mother’s influence is also reflected in his involvement in community initiatives and charitable activities.
Rather than focusing exclusively on professional success, the family encouraged Nico to help others whenever he had the opportunity.
These values have remained important as Collins has gained recognition and financial stability through his NFL career.
Who Are Nico Collins’ Siblings?
Nico Collins is the youngest of three children. He has two older siblings: a sister named Aliyah Collins and a brother named Deshon Collins.
Both have publicly supported Nico’s football career and remained important figures in his personal life.
1. Aliyah Collins – Older Sister
Aliyah Collins is Nico Collins’ older sister and one of his closest friends.
According to a January 2024 Houston Chronicle profile, Aliyah is approximately four years older than Nico.
The siblings grew up together in Alabama, where Aliyah watched her younger brother develop from an energetic child into a talented football player.
She remembers him playing several positions during youth football, including wide receiver, running back, and defense.
Because of their close relationship, Aliyah has been able to observe both Nico’s athletic development and the challenges he experienced during his professional career.
She has described her younger brother as a caring, humble, and positive individual who enjoys spending time with his family.
How Aliyah Helped Nico Collins Overcome Career Challenges
Aliyah played a particularly important role when Nico struggled with injuries during his first two NFL seasons.
After being drafted by the Houston Texans in 2021, Collins experienced injuries that interrupted his development and prevented him from consistently demonstrating his abilities.
By the end of the 2022 season, he had begun questioning his physical condition and confidence.
Aliyah recognized that her brother was becoming discouraged and decided to speak with him about his situation.
During a conversation in Alabama, she reminded Nico of his talent, previous accomplishments, and ability to succeed in the NFL.
Her encouragement helped him regain confidence and approach the following offseason with renewed determination.
In an October 2023 interview with Go Long, Collins acknowledged that his sister’s advice had been an important turning point.
He subsequently improved his training, physical recovery, and preparation, helping him achieve a breakout season in 2023.
Aliyah Collins’ Involvement in the Chosen Foundation
Aliyah also plays an important role in Nico’s charitable activities.
According to a September 2025 profile published by Big Sarge Media, she serves as president of his charitable organization, the Chosen Foundation.
The organization supports community activities and youth development initiatives, particularly in Houston and Collins’ hometown in Alabama.
Aliyah has helped organize football camps and community events that allow children to interact with professional athletes and develop useful skills.
Her involvement demonstrates that the Collins siblings continue working together beyond Nico’s professional football responsibilities.
2. Deshon Collins – Older Brother
Deshon Collins, also written as DeShon Collins, is Nico Collins’ older brother.
Although Deshon has maintained a relatively private personal life, he has spoken publicly about his younger brother’s achievements.
Like Aliyah, Deshon grew up alongside Nico in Alabama and witnessed his development as an athlete.
He has expressed pride not only in Nico’s accomplishments as an NFL player but also in his personal growth and commitment to helping others.
During a September 2025 interview with Big Sarge Media, Deshon discussed his brother’s willingness to support young athletes.
He explained that Nico understood the importance of positive role models because he had benefited from encouragement and guidance while growing up.
Deshon praised his younger brother for using his success to provide similar opportunities for the next generation.
His comments reflected the close relationship between the brothers and their shared appreciation for family and community.
Additional verified information about Deshon’s occupation, marriage, or children remains limited.
How Nico Collins’ Family Influenced His Football Career
Nico Collins’ family played an important role in his development from a talented young athlete into one of the Houston Texans’ leading wide receivers.
Growing up in Alabama, Collins participated in football and basketball, eventually becoming a standout athlete at Clay-Chalkville High School.
His football achievements included helping the school win the Alabama Class 6A state championship in 2014.
As his performances attracted attention from college recruiters, his parents encouraged him to remain focused on education and athletic development.
He eventually committed to the University of Michigan, where he developed into a productive wide receiver.
In 2018, Collins recorded 632 receiving yards and six touchdowns, establishing himself as an important offensive player for the Wolverines.
He continued improving during the 2019 season, finishing with 729 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
After opting out of the 2020 college football season, Collins entered the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Houston Texans selected him with the 89th overall pick, beginning his professional football career.
Although injuries affected his first two seasons, Collins experienced a major breakthrough in 2023.
He finished that season with 80 receptions, 1,297 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns.
His outstanding performances established him as one of the Texans’ most valuable offensive players and helped him earn a lucrative contract extension in 2024.
Throughout his rise, Collins has credited his family with encouraging him to remain disciplined, humble, and determined.
Nico Collins’ Family and Community Involvement
Beyond football, Collins has used his professional success to support children and families through charitable programs.
His family’s influence is particularly evident in his commitment to giving back to communities that helped him develop.
In December 2024, Collins partnered with JCPenney to organize a holiday shopping experience for children associated with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston.
The event allowed participating children to select clothing and other items while spending time with the NFL receiver.
Collins has also organized youth football camps in Alabama, giving young athletes opportunities to learn football fundamentals and receive encouragement.
In September 2025, he returned to his hometown area to participate in a community football camp that attracted children and families.
His sister Aliyah helped support the event through her work with the family’s charitable organization.
Collins has explained that returning to his community is especially meaningful because he remembers being a young athlete with similar ambitions.
His charitable activities demonstrate how the values established by his parents and siblings continue influencing his life beyond professional football.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nico Collins’ Family
Who is Nico Collins’ girlfriend?
Nico Collins’ longtime girlfriend is Samantha Catherine Roy, a former University of Michigan gymnast. The couple reportedly began dating around September 2020.
Is Nico Collins married?
As of now, Nico Collins has not publicly confirmed being married. Samantha Roy has been identified as his girlfriend rather than his wife.
Does Nico Collins have children?
There is no verified public information confirming that Nico Collins has children.
Who is Nico Collins’ father?
His father is Don Collins, a surgical technician who introduced him to football during childhood and supported his athletic development.
Who is Nico Collins’ mother?
Official University of Michigan records identify his mother as Janyth Collins. A later Houston Chronicle profile refers to her as Saint Lisa, although the discrepancy has not been publicly explained.
How many siblings does Nico Collins have?
Nico Collins has two older siblings: a sister named Aliyah Collins and a brother named Deshon Collins.
Who is Nico Collins’ sister?
His older sister is Aliyah Collins, who has supported his football career and serves as president of his charitable foundation.
Who is Nico Collins’ brother?
His older brother is Deshon Collins, who has publicly expressed pride in Nico’s professional achievements and charitable work.
What is Nico Collins’ full name?
His full name is Dominique Stephon Collins. He is professionally known as Nico Collins.
Where is Nico Collins from?
Nico Collins grew up in Pinson, Alabama, near Birmingham. He attended Clay-Chalkville High School before playing college football at Michigan.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
