He played college football for the New Mexico Lobos, and was selected by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL draft.

On March 12, 2009, he participated at New Mexico's pro day, but opted to stand on his combine numbers and only performed positional drills.

[12][13] Throughout training camp, Quin competed for a job as a backup cornerback against Antwaun Molden, Fred Bennett, David Pittman, Brice McCain, and Matterral Richardson.

[14] He was impressive throughout camp and was able to progress quickly after Jacques Reeves sustained a broken leg and Dunta Robinson chose to holdout for a new contract.

[18] Quin made his first career tackle on running back Leon Washington during his eight-yard reception on the Jets' first drive.

[20] In Week 9, Quin collected a season-high four pass deflections and six solo tackles in the Texans' 20–17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

[24] Defensive coordinator Frank Bush named Quin and rookie Kareem Jackson the starting cornerbacks to begin the regular season.

[25] He started in the Houston Texans' season-opener against the Indianapolis Colts and made four combined tackles, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery in their 34–24 victory.

[40] On January 7, 2012, Quin started in his first career playoff game and recorded five combined tackles in the Texans' 31–10 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wild Card Round.

[41] The following week, he collected three combined tackles as the Texans were eliminated from the playoffs after a 20–13 loss at the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Round.

[42] Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips opted to move Quin to free safety and named him the starter to open the regular season.

[43] On September 30, 2012, Quin recorded six combined tackles and made his first career sack on quarterback Matt Hasselbeck during a 38–14 win against the Tennessee Titans in Week 4.

[45] On December 23, 2012, Quin collected a season-high ten combined tackles (nine solo) in a 23–6 loss against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16.

[48] On January 5, 2013, Quin made three pass deflections and two solo tackles during a 19–13 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wild Card Round.

[58] On December 31, 2013, the Detroit Lions fired head coach Jim Schwartz after finishing third in the NFC North with a 7–9 record in 2013.

[59] He finished the season with 57 combined tackles (44 solo), eight pass deflections, three interceptions, a sack, and a forced fumble in 16 games and 16 starts.

[60] On February 21, 2014, it was reported that Quin underwent a minor surgery to repair a torn ligament in his ankle that he had for the majority of the season after injuring it in Week 4.

[61][62] Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin chose to move Quin to free safety after the departure of Louis Delmas and the arrival of James Ihedigbo.

Head coach Jim Caldwell officially named Quin the starter to begin the regular season, alongside strong safety James Ihedigbo.

[72] On January 4, 2015, Quin started at free safety and recorded two solo tackles in a 24–20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card Round.

[74] Head coach Jim Caldwell retained Quin and James Ihedigbo as the starting safety duo to open the regular season in 2015.

[75] Quin started in the Detroit Lions' season-opener at the San Diego Chargers and collected a season-high eight combined tackles, a pass deflection, and returned an interception by Philip Rivers for a 31-yard touchdown in their 33–28 loss.

[80] Quin finished the 2016 season with 68 combined tackles (55 solo), five pass deflections, two interceptions, and a forced fumble in 16 games and 16 starts.

[82] On January 7, 2017, Quin collected six combined tackles and a pass deflection during a 26–6 loss at the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Wild Card Round.

[12][84] On September 24, 2017, Quin collected eight combined tackles, broke up a pass, and returned an interception by Matt Ryan for a 37-yard touchdown in the Lions' 30–26 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3.

[86] He finished the season with 84 combined tackles (60 solo), six pass deflections, four forced fumbles, three interceptions, and a touchdown in 16 games and 16 starts.

The foundation works with victims of domestic violence and Quin has attended charity events and assisted in raising funds for the organization.