Former Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens running back Alex Collins has died at the age of 28, the teams announced Monday.
“With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Alex Collins,” the Ravens said in a statement. “Always quick to greet everyone with a smile, he was a genuinely kind person who brought a special joy and excitement wherever he went. May Alex always be remembered for the light and love he brought to so many person in his life.
Collins spent two seasons with the Ravens in 2017 and 2018 before re-signing with the Seahawks in 2020. He spent the 2016, 2020 and 2021 seasons with Seattle, and most recently played for of the USFL’s Memphis Showboats.
Collins has 483 carries for 1,997 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns in 50 career NFL games, adding 59 catches and one receiving touchdown.
He was a fifth-round pick of the Seahawks out of Arkansas in the 2016 NFL Draft. The Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native ranks second all-time in Razorbacks history for career rushing yards (3,703).
It was really heartbreaking.
Prayers are with the Collins family. pic.twitter.com/ufOLkyT9f6
– Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 15, 2023
Collins time in Baltimore
Collins had his best year in Baltimore in 2017 and it’s not going anywhere. They signed him to their practice squad after the Seahawks released him. He finished leading the team with 973 rushing yards to go along with six touchdowns in 15 games. He has such a physical running style and he plays with such passion.
His breakout was a lot of fun to watch. His hobbies include Irish dancing and he punctuated his touchdowns with a few dance steps. He was a revelation that year, even if he was always uncomfortable talking about himself. He avoids interviews, and when he does talk, he always wears his helmet.
He had a unique personality and became a popular player during his short time in Baltimore. — Roe deer
All I can remember is Alex Collins
Collins’ college recruitment from South Plantation High School in 2013 was one of the wildest I’ve covered as a reporter for The Miami Herald. On signing day, his mother refused to sign his National Letter of Intent to attend school in Arkansas and ran with the papers because she wanted him to stay close to home and attend the University of Miami.
The next day, Collins’ father signed the papers for him to attend Arkansas, where he ran for 1,026 yards and four touchdowns and was named to the SEC Freshman Team. Collins was a warm and loving high school soul who remained loyal to his high school coach, Doug Gatewood, despite offers to transfer to other local high school powers. — Navarro
As most of you have heard by now, Alex Collins (@Budda03 ) died this morning.
My heart was broken, and I was just lost. Alex you are loved by many. You impact lives with your joy and positive, caring spirit…and that big smile. I am very happy to be your agent pic.twitter.com/8GNMiVqbO5
– Kelli Masters Mgmt (@KMMsports) August 15, 2023
(Photo: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
