Maliek Collins

BIOGRAPHY

Maliek Collins Sr., a noted American professional football player, was born April 8, 1995. A Kansan, Maliek was raised by his mother, Janice Davis, and father, C.W., in a family of two older sisters. His father’s untimely demise due to a heart attack, when Maliek was 6, had a profound impact on him personally. Despite the setback, he channeled his energies into sports, showing exceptional talent in both American football and wrestling during his school years.

Center High School in Kansas City, Missouri was where his talents truly shone. His wrestling achievements were remarkable, with Maliek securing a 48–5 record as a junior and a perfect 48–0 senior year record, where he cinched the state championship. On the football front, he compiled an impressive 102 tackles, 15 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles in his senior season.

In recognition of Maliek’s talent, the University of Nebraska offered him a scholarship, launching his college football journey into the big leagues. He started as a backup defensive lineman and excelled to later become a respected starter, leading his team in tackles for losses and securing second place in sacks and quarterback pressures.

Seeing his potential to excel in the professional league, Maliek decided to forgo his senior year and enter the 2016 NFL Draft, where predictions touted him as a likely second or third round selection. After his selection by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round, Collins started making steady progress. Despite a few setbacks, such as a broken foot, he emerged as the fourth defensive tackle upgrade, revealing his ability to withstand pressure and commandeer his position.

His tenure with the Cowboys was filled with success, despite obstacles, such as surgeries. His performance consistently ranked high on the team’s leaderboard for tackles, sacks, quarterback pressures, and fumble recoveries. His 2017 season saw him record 18 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, and 25 quarterback pressures, among other noteworthy contributions.

However, the following year was fraught with injuries. A knee injury saw him miss significant portions of the season, though he still managed to make a significant contribution in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, quarterback pressures, and overall team results when he was in the game.

In the following years, Collins reliably put up solid performances, including his 2019 season when he racked up 16 tackles, 4 sacks, 30 quarterback pressures, and a fumble recovery. Showing his versatility in the game, he managed a season-high 5 tackles, 2 solo tackles, and a fumble recovery.

After his impressive tenure with the Cowboys, Maliek signed a one-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020, reuniting him with his old defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli. However, this time was also marred by injuries and COVID-19 restrictions, limiting his contributions to the team.

2021 brought a new beginning for Collins, as he signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans. Despite the shorter timespan, his performance remained stellar, and he contributed significantly towards the team’s performance that year.

His tenure with the Texans continued, his performance meriting a two-year contract extension. Notably, notable games recorded against the Dolphins showcased his enduring skills. Further recognition came in 2023, when Collins signed another two-year, $23 million extension with the Texans. The season saw him record a career-high when he collected 41 tackles and 5 sacks.

Finally, in 2024, Maliek was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. This pivotal move marked the latest chapter in his steadily prospering career, underlining his enduring contribution to the sport. Maliek’s story thus far serves as a testament to his perseverance, talent, tribulations, and undying spirit.