Former Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens running back Alex Collins 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 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 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 the Memphis Showboats in the USFL.
Collins had 483 carries for 1,997 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns through 50 career NFL games, adding 59 catches and one receiving touchdown.
He was a fifth-round pick by 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).
Absolutely heartbroken.
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 came out of nowhere. They signed him to their practice squad after he was released by the Seahawks. He wound up leading the team with 973 rushing yards to go along with six touchdowns in 15 games. He had such a physical style of running and he played with such enthusiasm.
His breakout was a lot of fun to watch. His hobbies included Irish dancing and he punctuated his touchdowns with some dance steps. He was a revelation that year, although he always appeared uncomfortable talking about himself. He avoided interviews, and when he did talk, he often kept his helmet on.
He had a unique personality and become a popular player during his short time in Baltimore. — Zrebiec
What I’ll remember about Alex Collins
Collins’ college recruitment out of South Plantation High School in 2013 was one of the wildest I covered as a reporter for The Miami Herald. On signing day, his mother refused to sign his National Letter of Intent to attend school at Arkansas and ran off 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 paperwork so he could 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 soul in high school who remained loyal to his high school coach, Doug Gatewood, despite overtures to transfer to other local high school powers. — Navarro
As many of you have now heard, Alex Collins (@Budda03 ) passed away this morning.
My heart is broken, and I am just at a loss. Alex you were so loved by so many. You impacted lives with your joy and positive, caring spirit…and that big smile. I was so honored to be your agent pic.twitter.com/8GNMiVqbO5
— Kelli Masters Mgmt (@KMMsports) August 15, 2023
(Photo: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
