Zaven Collins Bio
Zaven Collins is an American professional football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, earning unanimous All-American honors and winning several defensive player of the year awards in 2020. Collins was selected by the Cardinals in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft.
Early Life and Background
Zaven Collins was born on May 19, 1999, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He attended Hominy High School in Hominy, Oklahoma, where he showcased his versatility by playing quarterback, linebacker, and safety. During his high school career, he amassed impressive statistics, including 4,084 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns, along with passing for 3,056 yards and 32 touchdowns. His performance on the field earned him a scholarship to the University of Tulsa, where he would continue to develop his skills in football.
Path to American Football
After redshirting his first year at Tulsa in 2017, Collins made his collegiate debut in 2018, participating in 12 games and starting 10. He recorded 85 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one interception during that season. As a sophomore in 2019, he started all 12 games, improving his performance with 97 tackles and two sacks. Collins returned for his junior year in 2020, where he had a standout season, earning accolades such as the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Chuck Bednarik Award, which recognize the nation’s best defensive players.
Zaven Collins Career
Early Career (2021)
Zaven Collins was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft, being the 16th overall pick. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $14 million on June 8, 2021. In his rookie season, Collins entered as a starting inside linebacker alongside teammates Jordan Hicks and Isaiah Simmons. He played in 17 games, starting in six, and finished the season with 25 tackles and three passes defended.
Breakthrough (2022-2023)
In the 2022 season, Collins solidified his role in the Cardinals’ defense, appearing in 16 games and recording 100 total tackles, one interception, six passes defended, and one forced fumble. His performance peaked in Week 9 of the season when he returned a 30-yard interception for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks. In the 2023 season, he continued to show his defensive prowess, finishing with 3.5 sacks, 41 tackles, one interception, and three passes defended.
Notable Works and Milestones
Zaven Collins has established himself as a key player for the Arizona Cardinals, with significant contributions in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. His accolades from college, including multiple defensive player awards, laid the groundwork for his successful transition to the NFL.
Zaven Collins Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Zaven Collins has received several nominations and awards, particularly during his college years, where he was recognized as one of the top defensive players in the nation.
Zaven Collins Awards Won
Zaven Collins has won numerous awards, including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award, and was named a Unanimous All-American in 2020. These accolades highlight his exceptional talent and performance during his college football career.
| Award | Wins | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bronko Nagurski Trophy | 1 | 2020 |
| Chuck Bednarik Award | 1 | 2020 |
| Lombardi Award | 1 | 2020 |
| Unanimous All-American | 1 | 2020 |
| AAC Defensive Player of the Year | 1 | 2020 |
| First-team All-AAC | 1 | 2020 |
| Second-team All-AAC | 1 | 2019 |
Zaven Collins Family
Information regarding Zaven Collins’ family background is limited and not publicly available.
Personal Life
Zaven Collins was involved in a legal incident in June 2021, where he was arrested for speeding and reckless driving in Arizona but was released from custody shortly after. His personal life remains relatively private, with no further details disclosed.
