Maliek Collins Bio
Maliek Collins Sr. is an American professional football defensive tackle currently playing for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. Born on April 8, 1995, Collins has built a notable career since being drafted in 2016, having played for several NFL teams including the Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans, and San Francisco 49ers. He played college football at the University of Nebraska, where he earned recognition as a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2014 and 2015.
Early Life and Background
Maliek Collins was born in Kansas City, Kansas, to Janice Davis and C.W. Collins, a mechanic. He grew up with two older sisters and experienced the loss of his father at the age of six due to a heart attack. Collins attended Center High School in Kansas City, Missouri, where he excelled in both football and wrestling. As a senior, he achieved a perfect 48–0 record in wrestling and won the state championship. On the football field, he recorded impressive defensive statistics including 102 tackles and 15 sacks.
His athletic prowess earned him a scholarship to the University of Nebraska, where he continued to develop his skills on the football team. Collins’s early exposure to competitive sports and his high school achievements laid a strong foundation for his future professional career.
Path to American Football
At Nebraska, Collins quickly progressed from a backup defensive lineman as a freshman to a starting defensive tackle by his sophomore year. He led the team in tackles for loss and was among the top in sacks and quarterback pressures. His junior year saw him face increased challenges at nose tackle, where he continued to perform strongly despite facing more double teams. After his junior season, Collins chose to enter the 2016 NFL Draft, foregoing his senior year.
His college performance, marked by 8 sacks and 23 tackles for loss, positioned him as a promising draft prospect. Analysts projected him as a second or third-round pick, reflecting his potential to succeed at the professional level.
Maliek Collins Career
Early Career (2016–2019)
Maliek Collins was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract and overcame an early foot injury to make his professional debut. Initially the fourth defensive tackle on the depth chart, Collins quickly earned a starting role by demonstrating strong play, including multiple sacks and quarterback pressures. He finished his rookie season with 31 tackles and 5 sacks, ranking second on the team in sacks.
Over the next three seasons with the Cowboys, Collins remained a consistent starter. Despite some injuries, including foot surgery and a knee injury, he contributed solid defensive statistics such as tackles for loss, sacks, and quarterback pressures. His performance helped anchor the Cowboys’ defensive line during this period.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2020)
In 2020, Collins signed a one-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting with defensive line coach Rod Marinelli. He appeared in 12 games, starting 11, and recorded 15 tackles. His season was interrupted by placement on injured reserve and a brief stint on the COVID-19 list, but he returned to contribute to the team’s defensive efforts.
Houston Texans Tenure (2021–2023)
Collins joined the Houston Texans in 2021 on a one-year deal and quickly became a key defensive player. He started 15 games in his first season, tallying 29 tackles and 2.5 sacks. The Texans extended his contract in 2022, and Collins continued to improve, posting 37 tackles and 3.5 sacks. In 2023, he signed a two-year, $23 million extension and achieved a career-high 41 tackles and 5 sacks, including multiple multi-sack games.
San Francisco 49ers Period (2024–2025)
In March 2024, Collins was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. He started all 17 games that season, contributing 5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, and 33 combined tackles. Despite a solid performance, he was released by the 49ers in March 2025.
Cleveland Browns Era (2025–Present)
Shortly after his release from the 49ers, Collins signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Cleveland Browns. He started all 12 games he appeared in during the season, recording 6.5 sacks, 25 combined tackles, and a fumble recovery. Unfortunately, a season-ending quad injury in Week 13 led to his placement on injured reserve.
Driving Style and Strengths
Maliek Collins is known for his versatility on the defensive line, capable of playing both one-technique and three-technique tackle positions. His strength lies in his ability to disrupt offensive plays through quarterback pressures and sacks. Collins combines physical power with quickness, enabling him to excel against both the run and pass. His experience working with various defensive coordinators has enhanced his strategic understanding and adaptability.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Collins has achieved multiple multi-sack games and has been a reliable starter for every team he has played with. Noteworthy moments include his first career sack in 2016 and his career-high tackle season in 2023. His resilience in overcoming injuries and maintaining consistent performance marks significant milestones in his professional journey.
Maliek Collins Career Wins
As a defensive tackle, Maliek Collins’s contributions are measured in tackles, sacks, and defensive plays rather than traditional wins. His consistent starting roles and impactful defensive statistics across multiple NFL teams highlight his success and value as a professional football player.
NFL Highlights
Since entering the NFL in 2016, Collins has been a regular starter and key defensive contributor. His rookie season with the Dallas Cowboys featured 5 sacks and 31 tackles. With the Houston Texans, he reached a career-high 41 tackles and 5 sacks in 2023. His tenure with the San Francisco 49ers included 5 sacks and multiple fumble recoveries in a full 17-game season.
Other Performances
Collins’s college career at Nebraska was marked by strong defensive performances, including leading his team in tackles for loss and earning second-team All-Big Ten honors twice. His high school wrestling championship also reflects his athletic versatility and competitive spirit.
Maliek Collins Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Maliek Collins comes from a supportive family background. His father, C.W. Collins, was a mechanic who passed away when Maliek was six years old. He was raised alongside two older sisters by his mother, Janice Davis. There is no public information linking Collins to a family history in professional sports beyond his own achievements.
Personal Life
Details about Maliek Collins’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. He maintains a professional focus on his football career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Maliek Collins joined the Cleveland Browns on a significant two-year contract. He quickly established himself as a starter, contributing 6.5 sacks and 25 tackles in 12 games. His season was cut short by a quad injury in Week 13, leading to his placement on injured reserve. Despite the setback, Collins’s early season performance demonstrated his continued impact on the defensive line. The Browns anticipate his recovery and return to form in the following season, expecting him to be a key defensive asset.