Former NFL running back Alex Collins dead at 28
Alex Collins, a former running back for the Seahawks and Ravens, died at 28 years old.
He was reportedly involved in a fatal motorcycle crash Sunday evening in Florida.
Collins, in a 2004 Suzuki motorcycle, was traveling eastbound on West Oakland Park Boulevard in Lauderdale Lakes, Fla., and struck a woman driving westbound, in a 2002 Chevy, attempting to make a left turn, according to a police report obtained by sports radio host Andy Slater.
“According to investigators, at some point, the Chevrolet driver proceeded to turn left to travel south onto Northwest 33rd Avenue,” the report said. “As the car crossed the eastbound lanes, the motorcycle struck the rear passenger side of the SUV.
“The impact caused the motorcyclist to enter the rear passenger side window of the Chevrolet and come to a final rest inside the car. The collision also caused the Chevrolet to rotate clockwise before finally resting.”
Collins was pronounced dead on the scene, per the report, and the driver of the SUV cooperated with the investigation.
The incident is being investigated by detectives with the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
The Ravens originally announced the tragic news in a statement Monday evening.
“With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Alex Collins,” the team said.
“Always quick to greet everyone with a smile, he was a genuinely kind person who carried a special joy and passion wherever he went. May Alex always be remembered for the light and love he brought to so many people in his life.”
Collins was drafted by the Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Arkansas.
“Absolutely heartbroken,” the Seahawks tweeted. “Prayers are with the Collins family.”
In his five-year NFL career, he carried the ball 483 times for 1,997 yards and two touchdowns.
He last played in the NFL in 2021.
“Alex was a joy to be around and someone whose light shined brightly,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement.
“I’ll always remember him for being a great teammate who had an uplifting spirit that impacted everyone he encountered. He was also a smart player who ran with unlimited determination, and he contributed to a lot of our success during his time in Baltimore.
“We send our heartfelt condolences and support to Alex’s family. May he now rest in God’s eternal peace.”
Collins played for the Memphis Showboats in the USFL this past season.
He starred collegiately at Arkansas, rushing for over 1,000 yards each of his three seasons there.
“We are so saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of Alex Collins,” the school said in a statement. “He was a legendary Razorback and an even better person.
“His love for the Razorbacks and desire to be a Hog was undeniable. We will miss him greatly. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
During his NFL career, he spoke about how the footwork aspect of Irish dancing helped him prepare for football competition.
“Man this Alex Collins news is so sad. I always thought of this when I saw him play—he was so charming and joyful whenever he talked about it,” ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes tweeted, about Collins’ dancing.
“Horrible,” tweeted Seahawks beat writer Gregg Bell. “Had a vitality about him. The Irish dancing. The smile. Sad.”
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