Houston Texans’ Nico Collins spread holiday joy by surprising Special Olympics Texas athletes with a shopping spree, highlighting gratitude and community spirit.
HOUSTON — Just in time for the holidays, Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins teamed up with DICK’S Sporting Goods to bring some extra cheer to local athletes.
On Tuesday, Collins surprised 10 athletes from Special Olympics Texas with a private holiday shopping event at DICK’S in Meyerland.
Each participant received a $150 gift card to pick out holiday gifts, sports gear and apparel, with Collins serving as their personal “shopping consultant” for the day.
Collins said the event was about more than just shopping.
“It’s always important just to give back, just to see the smiles on people’s faces,” he said. “You never know what people are going through, but to see the joy in people’s faces, man, that’s my mission. That’s my why behind all this.”
He added that seeing the athletes’ reactions made the event especially meaningful.
“It really pushes you to continue to give back… just to see how happy they are when they pick whatever they want, just get clothes and things like that. It really brings joy to my heart,” Collins said.
Heather Dansdill, Regional Executive for the East Region of Special Olympics Texas, called the event “the epitome of awesomeness.”
She praised Collins and DICK’S Sporting Goods for taking the time to support the athletes.
“People are so kind and wonderful, generally speaking, and I know there are pockets of awesome everywhere and Houston is huge with that. Not only our partners at DICK’s, but also, for Nico to take time out of his busy schedule, the Texans, we have other partnerships with other companies and athletes and it’s just great to see everyone kind of come together,” she said.
Collins said partnering with DICK’S Sporting Goods allowed him to give back to the community while doing what he loves.
“It’s a blessing, man. I’m really thankful for DICK’S for giving me the opportunity to come back and give back,” he said.
Photojournalist Ryan Phillips contributed to this report.
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