DEAL ACCEPTED: Houston Texans American Football Team Wide Receiver Jayden Higgins Signs a 4-year Contract With the Colorado Avalanche Worth $109 Million as Their New…. See more…

In a move that has stunned both the NFL and NHL communities, Jayden Higgins, the dynamic wide receiver for the Houston Texans, has signed a groundbreaking 4-year, $109 million contract with the Colorado Avalanche. The deal marks one of the rarest and most ambitious cross-sport transitions in modern American sports history — a professional football player switching to hockey at the peak of his career.

The announcement, made jointly by the Colorado Avalanche and Higgins’ management agency, comes after weeks of speculation following Higgins’ cryptic social media posts hinting at a “new frontier.” Now, it’s official: the 6’3”, 220-pound NFL star is trading turf for ice.

From Gridiron to Ice

Jayden Higgins rose to prominence during his college years at Iowa State before being signed by the Houston Texans in 2023. Known for his exceptional speed, vertical leap, and crisp route-running, Higgins quickly became one of the Texans’ top offensive weapons, finishing the 2024 season with 1,302 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.

But what most fans didn’t know is that Higgins has a lifelong history with hockey. Growing up in Minnesota, he played youth hockey until high school, when football opportunities began to take precedence. According to those close to him, Higgins never lost his love for the game.

“I’ve always loved hockey just as much as football,” Higgins said in the Avalanche press release. “I know this sounds crazy, but I’ve been working behind the scenes for over a year to get back on the ice. This isn’t a gimmick — I’m ready to compete at the highest level.”

The Avalanche’s Bold Gamble

The Colorado Avalanche, one of the NHL’s premier franchises, are known for aggressive moves and calculated risks — and this one might top them all. Team GM Chris MacFarland acknowledged the unconventional nature of the signing, but expressed full confidence in Higgins’ abilities.

“This isn’t about publicity,” MacFarland said. “Jayden is a world-class athlete with a rare combination of power, speed, and instinct. He’s been training with professional hockey coaches and has been evaluated thoroughly. We believe he has the potential to make an impact — and we’re committed to helping him succeed.”

Higgins’ four-year deal includes a base salary structure more common in hockey contracts, with performance incentives for goals, assists, ice time, and team success. The contract also reportedly includes clauses allowing limited crossover football appearances, should Higgins desire to maintain a presence in both sports.

Reactions Across the Leagues

Reactions to the deal have ranged from awe to skepticism. NFL figures, including some of Higgins’ former teammates, took to social media to express both support and disbelief.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud tweeted: “Man… never thought I’d see the day. Go dominate, bro. You’re different.”

Meanwhile, hockey analysts are more cautious. “You can’t just step into the NHL and expect to succeed,” said former player and analyst Kevin Bieksa. “But if anyone can adapt quickly, it’s a guy like Higgins.”

What Comes Next

Jayden Higgins is expected to join the Avalanche for training camp in September. Early reports indicate he will begin as a right winger, utilizing his speed and physicality to contribute in short shifts. Conditioning will be crucial, as the endurance demands of hockey differ drastically from football.

Still, Higgins remains undeterred.

“I know what I’m stepping into. I know people think it’s crazy,” he said. “But I’ve bet on myself my whole life — and I’ve never lost.”

If Higgins succeeds, he could pave the way for more multi-sport crossovers at the professional level, reviving the legacy of legendary athletes like Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders, who conquered both baseball and football.

But for now, all eyes turn to Denver, where one of the boldest experiments in sports history is about to unfold on ice.