Despite serving as motivation and inspiration for millions, athletes can also be impactful to other athletes. That is the situation that the WR for the Houston Texans found himself in. Despite emerging as one of the better receivers in the NFL, his humility shines in how he keeps his inspirations close. And the inspirations themselves? None other than Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

In an attempt to emulate their killer instinct, he keeps them and strong messages around him.

Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant still serve as inspiration

If you ask other athletes or fans, most will speak about the impact MJ had on them. Whether the swagger or the mentality, he was an inspiration to millions. That happens to be the case for Nico Collins of the Texans as well.

Now in his third year in the league, the Michigan alumnus keeps a picture of Michael in his locker room. But, next to that fist-pumping picture is a quote, “Love the process and you?ll love what the process produces.”?It is that mentality that brought Collins back from some tough times, including an overweight period after groin surgery during his collegiate career.

Similarly, the?Mamba Mentality?has taken a life of its own after Kobe Bryant‘s retirement. Since his untimely demise, doubly so. Collins keeps the Los Angeles Lakers legend’s outlook towards a challenge with him. “Where your focus goes, your energy flows.”

But, the Kobe inspiration is more than just respect for a fellow athlete. “His mindset. He doesn?t want to be scored on,? Collins says. ?He doesn?t want you to score. His mindset is legit kill. Every time. When it?s time to turn it on, he turns it on. That?s the mindset I?ve got to have. When it?s time, it?s time. And you?ll know when it?s time.”?

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In the piece by Go Long, the article goes in-depth about the incredible journey Nico has already undergone. However, with a young new quarterback at the helm, the best might be yet to come.

Will Nico follow MJ or Kobe Bryant’s trajectory?

By the initial verdict, the safer bet is neither. While Michael came into the league and immediately took over, Bryant was instantly competing for championships. Instead, the WR is enjoying a far different journey. When he first came to the Houston Texans, they were seeing a change of guards and ways.

As a result, it took time for Collins to truly find his footing. But he’s shown flashes of incredible potential. That vision seems to be coming together at just the right time as his pairing with rookie QB C.J. Stroud is already showing signs of promise.

If the two can continue their chemistry, Nico Collins could form his own trajectory to superstardom. With the legends he draws inspiration from, they would expect nothing less.

Read More: Michael Jordan Admits Kobe Bryant Was Tougher Than Him