Alex Collins Death
Alex Collins Death
Alex Collins, former N.F.L. Authorities said the backrunner, who played for the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens, died Sunday in a motorcycle crash in South Florida.
Mr. Collins, 28 years old, was riding a 2004 Suzuki GSX-R600K motorcycle when he crashed into a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban SUV in Lauderdale Lakes, Fla., the Broward County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. on Monday.
The driver of the S.U.V. was turning left when Mr. Collins hit the passenger behind. The statement said the impact of the collision was so strong that Mr Collins was thrown through the passenger-side rear window.
Mr. Collins was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said, adding that the driver of the S.U.V., who has not been named, remained nearby and cooperated with the investigation.
Mr. Collins' family confirmed the death in a statement through the Seahawks on Monday, saying he was held in high esteem by family and friends. "All those who truly know him can attest to his drive, determination and generous character," the statement read. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Seahawks executive vice president and general manager John Schneider said in a statement that Mr. Collins' smile and dancing skills would be missed. “Alex lights up an entire room and is loved by our entire building,” said Mr. Schneider. “He enjoys life and attacks it on the football field. He is one of the most efficient runners in SEC history.
Mr. Collins often performs a Riverdance-style short after scoring. It became his signature and a popular topic of discussion in interviews. He said in a 2018 interview on the talk show 'Pickler and Ben' that he got into Irish dancing through his family of high school football coaches. He praised the dance for helping him on the pitch. "It definitely makes me a lot more explosive," he said. "I want to give full credit to the Irish dance because just being on tiptoe, bouncing around, it's exhausting."
Mr. Collins was the 2016 fifth round pick for the Arkansas Seahawks. According to the N.F.L. Arguably his best year in the league was 2017 for Raven, where he had 973 yards and six touchdowns.
After finishing at N.F.L. in 2021, Mr. Collins played for the United States Football League's Memphis Showboats last spring. His time there ended when he was placed on the injured reserve list.
Former NFL runner Alex Collins died Monday after a motorcycle accident, the Seattle Seahawks announced. He is 28 years old. "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Alex Collins this morning," Collins' family said in a statement released by the Seahawks. “Alex is loved by family, friends and supporters around the world. Anyone who really knows him can attest to his drive, determination, and generous personality. We ask for your thoughts and prayers for our family during this difficult time. We ask for privacy as we navigate our grief. We will provide updates on funeral arrangements as they become available.
Collins was picked by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He played for the team for one season before joining Raven for two years. After a year hiatus, he returned to Seattle for two more seasons. He recently played for the USFL's Memphis Showboats.
"With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Alex Collins," Raven said in a statement. “Always quick to greet everyone with a smile, he is a truly kind person who brings a special joy and passion wherever he goes. May Alex always remember the light and love he brought to so many people in his life.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh also released a statement saying, “Alex is a joy to be around and someone whose light shines brightly. I will always remember him as he was a great teammate whose high spirits impacted everyone he met. He was also an intelligent player, running with limitless determination, and he was a big part of our success during his time in Baltimore. We extend our deepest condolences and support to Alex's family. May he now rest in the eternal peace of God.
The Seahawks also offered their condolences: “Totally sorry. Prayers are sent to the Collins family. "The Seahawks family and all 12 members are saddened to learn of Alex's passing," Seahawks vice president/general manager John Schneider said in a statement. “Alex's infectious smile and his classic river dancer skills will forever be remembered. Alex lit up an entire room and was loved by our entire building. He loves life and attacks it on the football field. He is one of the most efficient runners in SEC history. We extend our sincere condolences to his immediate family, the Gatewood family and his agent Kelli Masters. We will miss you forever, Alex. On behalf of Jody Allen, Pete Carroll, Chuck Arnold, Chad Morton and the entire Seahawks community, rest in peace brother.
The League tweeted: "The NFL family mourns the passing of Alex Collins and we send our deepest condolences to his family, teammates and loved ones."
During his NFL career, Collins scored 1,997 javelins on 483 attempts and scored a total of 19 touchdowns.
Seahawks released a statement from Collins' family on Monday night.
"Alex is loved by family and friends and fans around the world. Anyone who really knows him can attest to his drive, determination, and larger-than-life personality. ", the statement read. "We ask for your thoughts and prayers for our family during this difficult time."
"Alex is a joy to be around and someone whose light shines on," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a team statement. "I will always remember him as he was a great teammate, whose high spirits impacted everyone he met. ... We offer our condolences and support. Sincere condolences to Alex's family."