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Wolverines in the NFL: Nico Collins the 'spark' for Houston Texans, Jake Moody picked up by new team

clayton-sayfieby: Clayton Sayfie20 hours agoCSayf23
Nico Collins
Former Michigan Wolverines football wide receiver Nico Collins hauled in 9 receptions in a win over the Tennessee Titans Nov. 16, 2025. (Photo by Steve Roberts-Imagn Images)

Former Michigan Wolverines football players are standing out in the NFL, including Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins, who’s had a season interrupted by injury and backup quarterback play.

Collins and backup Davis Mills, who’s filling in for starter C.J. Stroud (concussion), are building rapport by the week, culminating in a big second-half touchdown connection in a 16-13 Houston win over division rival Tennessee. The 3-yard reception put Houston up 7-6 after the extra point midway through the third quarter, sparking the offense the rest of the way in a hard-fought victory.

“Nico and Davis, that connection really took off in the second half, which we needed,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We needed a spark. We start getting the ball to Nico, and we saw he made play after play after play. So did outstanding job putting us in position there to make that field goal a lot easier.

“When Nico is out there, he’s getting targeted. For the most time when he gets targeted, he comes down with the football.”

Houston’s leading receiver, Collins posted a season-high 9 receptions for 92 yards and a score, and he’s now had 7-plus catches and 75 or more yards in each of his last three games.

In the NFC, former Michigan kicker Jake Moody is on the move, picked up by the Washington Commanders off of the Chicago Bears practice squad. Moody made 8 of his 9 field goals, including one game-winner, in two games with the Bears, but was sent back down to the practice squad once Cairo Santos, the starter who beat Minnesota at the buzzer this past weekend, returned from injury.

Washington needed a new leg after cutting Matt Gay, who missed 2 field goals in a loss to the Miami Dolphins in Madrid, Spain. His misses came from 51 and 56 yards.

Here’s a look at how every former Michigan player in the NFL performed in week 11:

AJ Barner (2023), TE, Seattle Seahawks

The former Michigan and Indiana tight end made a career-best 10 receptions for 70 yards in a 21-19 loss to the Los Angeles Rams … Hauled in 31 receptions — 1 more than his total as a rookie in 2024 — for 306 yards and 4 touchdowns while opening all 10 games for the 7-3 Seahawks.

Ben Bredeson (2016-19), OG, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Missed this weekend’s loss to the Buffalo Bills with a hamstring injury suffered the week prior … Opened all nine outings in which he’s appeared for the 6-4 Buccaneers, six at left guard and three at center … Posted a 49.9 overall PFF rating.

Devin Bush (2016-18), LB, Cleveland Browns

Had a pick-six with 1 pass breakup and 4 tackles in a 23-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens … Tallied 66 tackles, 5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 interception that was returned for a touchdown, 5 pass breakups and a forced fumble in 10 starts for the 2-8 Browns.

Zach Charbonnet (2019-20), RB, Seattle Seahawks

The former Michigan and UCLA running back had 11 rushes for 37 yards and 2 catches for 10 yards in a 21-19 setback to the Los Angeles Rams … Rushed 105 times for 350 yards (3.3 yards per carry) and 6 touchdowns with 9 catches for 67 yards in nine games off the bench. 

Nico Collins (2017-19), WR, Houston Texans

Posted a season-best 9 catches for 92 yards and a score in a 16-13 win over the Tennessee Titans … Reeled in 7-plus receptions for 75 or more yards in each of his last three appearances … Recorded 49 catches for 642 yards and 4 scores in nine games this year, leading the 5-5 Texans in all three categories.

Blake Corum (2020-23), RB, Los Angeles Rams

Rushed 8 times for 10 yards and caught 1 pass for a 5-yard loss in a 21-19 win over the Seattle Seahawks … Amassed 317 rushing yards and a touchdown on 75 carries, adding 5 catches for 10 yards in 10 games for the 8-2 Rams.

Mike Danna (2019), DE, Kansas City Chiefs

The former Michigan and CMU standout had 2 tackles in a 22-19 loss to the Denver Broncos … Posted 13 tackles, 1 sack and a pass breakup in eight appearances with seven starts for the 5-5 Chiefs.

Rashan Gary (2016-18), DL, Green Bay Packers

Posted 3 tackles and a fumble recovery in a 27-20 victory over the New York Giants … Registered 34 tackles, 7 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 10 starts for the 6-3-1 Packers.

Graham Glasgow (2012-15), OL, Detroit Lions

Opened a 16-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in which the Lions allowed 2 sacks and rushed for only 3.5 yards per carry … Started at center in all 10 contests for the 6-4 Lions, generating a 61.9 overall PFF rating.

Brandon Graham (2006-09), DE, Philadelphia Eagles

Saw action in a 16-9 win over the Detroit Lions, but didn’t record any statistics … Came out of retirement midseason and has played in two games during his 16th season, totaling 18 defensive snaps and 5 special teams plays for the 8-2 Eagles

Mason Graham (2022-24), DT, Cleveland Browns

The former Michigan All-American made 2 tackles, with 1 behind the line of scrimmage, in a 23-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens … Had a tackle for loss in three of the last four games … Started all 10 games, compiling 22 tackles, 4 stops for loss, 3 quarterback hits, a half-sack and 3 pass breakups. 

Kenneth Grant (2022-24), DT, Miami Dolphins

Registered a tackle in a 16-13 overtime win over the Washington Commanders in Spain … Appearing in 11 tilts with three starts, Grant has recorded 21 tackles, 2 TFL, 3 quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks and a pass breakup.

Jaylen Harrell (2020-23), OLB, Tennessee Titans

The first shared sack of his career came in a 16-13 loss to the Houston Texans over the weekend … Tallied 13 tackles in 10 games for the 1-9 Titans.

Hassan Haskins (2018-21), RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Placed on injured reserve Nov. 1 (hamstring) … Rushed 12 times for 30 yards and caught 4 passes for 13 yards in seven games for the 7-4 Chargers.

Dax Hill (2019-21), CB, Cincinnati Bengals

Totaled 6 tackles with 1 TFL in a 34-12 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers … Made 64 tackles, 2 TFL, 3 pass breakups and 1 interception while opening all 10 clashes for the 3-7 Bengals.

James Hudson III (2017-18), OT, New York Giants

Did not appear in this past weekend’s game … Appeared in eight games, with two starts at left tackle, for the 2-9 Giants.

Aidan Hutchinson (2018-21), DL, Detroit Lions

The former Michigan All-American had 3 tackles and a half-sack in a 16-9 setback to the Philadelphia Eagles … Leads the NFL with 62 pressures and ranks tied 10th with 7.5 sacks through 10 games … Added 21 tackles, 7 TFL, a league-leading 4 forced fumbles, 2 pass breakups and a fumble recovery.

Kris Jenkins (2020-23), DT, Cincinnati Bengals

Recorded 2 tackles in a 34-12 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers … Registered 26 tackles, 2 TFL and 1.5 sacks in 10 games with three starts.

Will Johnson (2022-24), CB, Arizona Cardinals

Missed the last two games with back and hip injuries … Made 19 tackles, 6 pass breakups and a forced fumble in six games with four starts for the 3-7 Cardinals … His 74.9 PFF coverage grade checks in second among rookie cornerbacks with 100-plus such snaps.

Trevor Keegan (2019-23), OG, Dallas Cowboys

Appeared in two games this season but not since Oct. 12 … Played 6 snaps at left guard and 12 on special teams (field goal team).

Jourdan Lewis (2013-16), CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Hasn’t played since Nov. 1 due to a neck injury … Hauled in 1 interception, defended 8 passes, recovered 1 fumble and made 30 tackles with 4 for loss in eight games with seven starts for the 6-4 Jaguars.

Colston Loveland (2022-24), TE, Chicago Bears

Made 3 catches for 40 yards in a 19-17 win over the Minnesota Vikings … The No. 10 overall pick caught 24 passes for 329 yards and 2 touchdowns in nine outings with seven starts for the 7-3 Bears.

J.J. McCarthy (2021-23), QB, Minnesota Vikings

The former Michigan quarterback completed 16 of his 32 pass attempts for 150 yards and 1 touchdown with 2 interceptions in a 19-17 loss to the Chicago Bears … Threw the go-ahead touchdown pass with under a minute to go in the fourth quarter, but Chicago came down and kicked a game-winning field goal after a long kickoff return … Started five games this season, returning to lead the Vikings in the last three after missing significant time with a high-ankle sprain … Currently 2-3 as a starter … Completed 52.9 percent of his passes (74-of-140) for 842 yards and 6 touchdowns with 8 interceptions … Rushed 21 times for 110 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Braiden McGregor (2020-23), EDGE, New York Jets

Made 1 tackle in a 27-20 win over the Cleveland Browns … Tallied 11 tackles, 1 TFL and a sack with 1 pass breakup while appearing in eight games for the 2-8 Jets.

Joshua Metellus (2016-19), S, Minnesota Vikings

Posted a season-high 10 tackles in a 19-17 loss to the chicago Bears … Totaled 59 tackles, 1 TFL, a half-sack, 4 pass breakups and 2 interceptions while the team captain opened all 10 games for the 4-6 Vikings.

Joe Milton III (2018-20), QB, Dallas Cowboys

Appeared in two games in mop-up duty for the 4-5-1 Cowboys, completing 6 of his 9 passes for 99 yards and 1 touchdown with an interception … Last appearance came in a loss to the Denver Broncos Oct. 26.

Jake Moody (2018-22), K, Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders signed Moody off of the Chicago Bears’ practice squad Nov. 17, after cutting Matt Gay following 2 missed kicks in a loss to the Miami Dolphins … Moody is on his third team of the season, having been released by the San Francisco 49ers in September and appeared in two games for the Bears in October … Made 8 of his 9 field goal attempts for Chicago.

Mike Morris (2019-22), DE, Seattle Seahawks

The former Michigan defensive lineman made a tackle in a 21-19 setback to the Los Angeles Rams … Recorded 15 tackles with 1 for loss and a pass breakup in 10 contests as a bench player.

Kalel Mullings (2020-24), RB, Tennessee Titans

Hadn’t appeared in a game since Sept. 21, dealing with injury, but returned to practice in week 10, meaning he will soon be activated … Competed in two tilts this year, totaling 11 snaps on special teams.

David Ojabo (2019-21), OLB, Baltimore Ravens

The former Michigan All-American recorded 2 tackles in a 23-16 win over the Cleveland Browns … Tallied 9 tackles and a half-sack in eight contests off the bench for the 5-5 Ravens.

Olu Oluwatimi (2022), C, Seattle Seahawks

Made his first start of the season in a Nov. 16 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, filling in for injured starter Jalen Sundell (knee), who went down the previous game … Made 10 career starts … Seen action in eight games in 2025.

Mike Onwenu (2016-19), OL, New England Patriots

Opened a 27-14 win over the New York Jets Thursday night … Started at right guard all 11 games for the 9-2 Patriots, posting a 70.1 overall PFF rating.

Kwity Paye (2017-20), DE, Indianapolis Colts

Had a bye … Made 19 tackles, including 4 for loss, and 3 sacks in 10 outings with nine starts for the 8-2 Colts.

Jabrill Peppers (2014-16), S, Pittsburgh Steelers

The former Michigan Heisman Trophy finalist had 3 tackles in a 34-12 triumph over the Cincinnati Bengals … Made 11 tackles and a fumble recovery in seven tilts with one start for the 6-4 Steelers.

Cesar Ruiz (2017-19), C/G, New Orleans Saints

Had a bye … Posted a 56.0 overall PFF grade while starting at right guard in nine clashes for

Jon Runyan (2016-19), OG, New York Giants

Started a 27-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers … Graded out at 53.7 overall on PFF as the starting left guard this season … Opened all 11 contests.

Mike Sainristil (2019-23), CB, Washington Commanders

Tallied 4 tackles and fumbled on a punt return in a 16-13 overtime defeat to the Miami Dolphins … Registered 53 tackles, 7 pass breakups and 3 interceptions in 11 appearances with eight starts for the 3-8 Commanders.

Luke Schoonmaker (2018-22), TE, Dallas Cowboys

Played but didn’t record any stats in a 33-16 win over the Las Vegas Raiders Monday night … Recorded 8 receptions for 63 yards in 10 outings with four starts.

Mazi Smith (2019-22), DT, New York Jets

Traded from the Dallas Cowboys, for whom he was a first-round pick in 2023, to the New York Jets at the deadline … Seen action in two games for his new team, but hasn’t recorded any stats … Had 3 tackles in five appearances for the Cowboys.

Benjamin St-Juste (2017-18), CB, Los Angeles Chargers

Made a tackle in a 35-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars … Totaled 24 tackles, 1 interception and 5 pass breakups while playing in 11 games with two starts.

Josaiah Stewart (2023-24), OLB, Los Angeles Rams

The former Michigan standout made 2 tackles in a 21-19 win over the Seattle Seahawks … Recorded 13 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 sacks and 2 pass breakups in 10 games as a rotational piece … Checks in sixth on the Rams’ defense with 11 pressures.

DJ Turner II (2019-22), CB, Cincinnati Bengals

Posted 4 tackles in a 34-12 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers … Registered 27 tackles, 2 TFL, a league-leading 14 pass breakups and 2 interceptions in 10 games with nine starts.

Joshua Uche (2016-19), OLB, Philadelphia Eagles

Didn’t have any stats in a 16-9 win over the Detroit Lions … Tallied 18 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack and a pass breakup in 10 appearances.

Ben VanSumeren (2018-20), FB, Philadelphia Eagles

Suffered season-ending injury week one.

William Wagner (2019-24), LS, Cincinnati Bengals

Snapped in all 10 games this season.

Josh Wallace (2023), CB, Los Angeles Rams

Made a season-high 3 tackles in a 21-19 win over the Seattle Seahawks, playing 27 snaps on defense, the most he’s had in a game this season … Tallied 8 tackles in 10 appearances, with most of his action coming on special teams.

Roman Wilson (2020-23), WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Caught 1 pass for 17 yards on 2 targets in a 34-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals … Caught 12 passes for 166 yards and 2 touchdowns … Both of his scores came late in losses to the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Chargers.

Zak Zinter (2020-23), OG, Cleveland Browns

Appeared in just one game this season, an Oct. 19 win over the Miami Dolphins.