According to a news release from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Alex Collins, a former running back for Arkansas who later played five seasons in the NFL, died on Sunday night in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, after being involved in a motorcycle accident.
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Alex Collins’ Cause Of Death
In Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, at around 10:20 p.m., Collins was operating a Suzuki motorcycle when an SUV moving in the other direction pulled into his path, causing Collins to smash through the rear passenger side window. This is according to a report on the accident from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Collins was declared deceased at the scene, according to the report.
Investigators claim that at some time the driver of the Chevrolet took a left turn and started driving south on Northwest 33rd Avenue. The motorcycle collided with the rear passenger side of the SUV as it crossed over into the eastbound lanes of traffic. The collision prompted the motorcycle rider to crash into the Chevrolet’s rear passenger side window and come to a final rest inside the vehicle. The Chevrolet was likewise rotated counterclockwise by the accident before coming to a stop.
When BSO deputies arrived, the motorcyclist was already dead when they arrived. The SUV’s driver stayed on the site and assisted with the inquiry.
The University of Arizona, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Baltimore Ravens, the two NFL teams for whom he played, as well as the league headquarters, all acknowledged the news of his passing.
Alex Collins’ Remarkable Career
Alex Collins played his last professional game this season with the Memphis Showboats of the USFL, starting all three of his games while rushing for 98 yards and one touchdown. With 1,577 yards, Collins, 28, recorded the third-highest single-season rushing total in Arkansas history in 2015. With 3,703 career running yards, he is second only to Darren McFadden (4,590 yards) at Arkansas.
Collins joins legendary running backs Herschel Walker (1980–82) of Georgia, Kevin Faulk (1996–98) of LSU, and Darren McFadden (2005–07) as the only four SEC players to rush for 1,000 yards in three straight seasons.
Collins also had a significant part to play in one of the most famous Razorback football plays in history. At Ole Miss in overtime, he caught a long lateral from tight end Hunter Henry and ran 31 yards to complete a fourth-and-25 play. 53-52 was the final score, and the play has since become a part of Arkansas lore.
Collins, who would have turned 29 on August 26, participated in the NFL for a portion of five seasons between 2016 and 2021 after being selected by the Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
In his NFL career, he carried for 1,997 yards and 18 touchdowns. Collins got 212 carries for 973 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2017 with the Baltimore Ravens, which was his greatest season to date.
Jonathan Williams’ foot injury forced him out of the tailback rotation, which led to Collins’ huge 2015 season at Arkansas. The season has major ties to the current Razorbacks. Williams posted on social media that “Alex single-handedly pushed me more than any other player that I’ve ever played with.” “I will always be grateful for the time we spent together. We were a great tandem.”
That season, Pittman was in his third and final year as the offensive line coach for Bret Bielema, while current offensive coach Dan Enos was in the first year of his time as the Hogs’ offensive coordinator.
Alex Collins is the second outstanding Razorback football player to pass away tragically in Florida over the course of the past 13 years in the past two months.
A 2017 Ravens backup quarterback named Ryan Mallett who excelled at Arkansas in college also passed away earlier this summer. While swimming with his girlfriend in Florida in late June, he drowned.
Social Media Gives Condolences To Alex Collins
On Monday night, social media was flooded with condolences for Collins’ passing.
The Razorbacks’ football team wrote on social media, “We are very grieved by the abrupt and tragic demise of Alex Collins. He was not only a renowned Razorback, but also a wonderful man. It was obvious that he adored the Razorbacks and wished to join the Hogs. He will be sorely missed.
Alex Collins was such a fantastic person who loved the Razorbacks and we loved him too, said coach Sam Pittman in a statement. His family, his teammates, and the entire Razorback Nation are in our prayers.
The Ravens released a statement that read, “Always quick to welcome everyone with a grin, he was a truly nice person who carried a distinct delight and passion wherever he went. “May Alex be remembered forever for the love and light he gave to so many people in his life.”
“Absolutely heartbroken,” the Seahawks wrote. The Collins family is being prayed for. Coach Jim Harbaugh of the Ravens added his thoughts, stating that Alex was “a joy to be around and someone whose light shone brightly.” He was a fantastic teammate who left a positive impression on everyone he met, and that’s how I’ll always remember him.
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What caused Alex Collins’ Death?
Alex Collins died on Sunday night in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, after being involved in a motorcycle accident.
Who did Alex Collins Play for?
Between 2016–2018 and 2020–21, Collins played five NFL seasons with the Ravens and Seahawks. He later played for the Memphis Showboats in the USFL in 2023.
Why did Collins leave the NFL?
Collins chose to leave the NFL after being out of the game for multiple injuries and accidents
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