The NFL community is once again mourning the loss of young talent from the league. Following the untimely passings of Ryan Mallett and Ray Lewis III, another determined player’s life has been cut short in a heartrending event. Aged only 28, this athlete had donned the jerseys of both the Ravens and the Seahawks during his brief, 5-year tenure in the NFL before venturing into the USFL league.

Alex Collins, a former NFL running back, showcased his collegiate skills at Arkansas before making his entry into the NFL as a fifth-round selection by the Seahawks in 2016. Initially gracing the field in Seattle, he later joined the Ravens, where he contributed significantly in his second and third seasons. Although absent from NFL games since the 2021 season, Collins had recently participated with the Memphis Showboats in the USFL this spring. Tragically, fate had a different plan, and he was taken from us too soon.

The rising star taken too soon in a tragic incident

The Baltimore Ravens took to social media on Monday night to confirm the tragic news of Alex Collins’ passing. The former Arkansas running back, who played from 2013 to 2015, met with a devastating accident less than 12 days before his birthday. The incident occurred in Lauderdale Lakes and involved a collision between a motorcycle and a vehicle on Sunday, August 13. Reports indicate that the accident unfolded near the intersection of West Oakland Park Boulevard and Northwest 33rd Avenue at around 10:20 p.m.

Alexander Collins was riding eastbound on a 2004 Suzuki GSX-R600K motorcycle on West Oakland Park Boulevard, while an adult female was driving westbound in a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban SUV. The preliminary investigation suggests that the collision happened as the Chevrolet driver attempted to make a left turn onto Northwest 33rd Avenue, crossing the path of the motorcycle. The impact resulted in Collins crashing into the rear passenger side of the SUV and being thrown into the vehicle through the rear passenger side window.

Read more: Car Crash Claims The Life of Yet Another Rising Football talent

Born on August 26, 1994, Collins made a lasting impression on Fayetteville, Arkansas, and NFL career, leaving his mark both within and beyond the football field.

Collins’ impact and legacy

Former Seattle Seahawks teammate of Russell Wilson, Alex Collins, left an indelible mark on the NFL. In 2017, his standout performance with the Baltimore Ravens saw him amass 973 rushing yards, six touchdowns, and 23 receptions for 187 yards. He was a Razorbacks star, achieving 1,000 rushing yards in three consecutive seasons, a feat matched by only four SEC players including legends like Darren McFadden and Herschel Walker.

Off the field, Collins charmed with his dynamic personality and attributed his gridiron success to Irish River Dancing. Despite a hiatus in 2019 due to an injury and a subsequent three-game suspension stemming from an arrest following a car crash, Collins made a comeback with the Seahawks, participating in a total of 14 games across the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Reacting to Collins’ tragic passing, his former teammate Russell Wilson fondly remembered him: “To one of my favorite teammates. You brought joy to every huddle. Keep Dancin’ in Heaven. Love you AC. Forever missed. #RIP”. The NFL community and fans too join Wilson in mourning the loss of Alex Collins.
Rest in Peace, Alex Collins

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