Alex Collins dies at 28 years old: How the NFL community reacts to the tragic news

Alex Collins, a former NFL running back who played for the Seattle Seahawks and the Baltimore Ravens, died on Sunday night in a motorcycle crash in South Florida. He was 28 years old.

His death shocked and saddened the NFL community, who paid tribute to him on social media and in statements.

Here are some of the reactions from his former teammates, coaches, fans, and friends.

Who is Alex Collins?

Alex Collins was an American football player who played as a running back for the Seattle Seahawks and the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL.

He was born on August 26, 1994, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Collins had a successful college career at Arkansas, where he rushed for over 3,000 yards and 36 touchdowns.

He was drafted by the Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Alex Collins played one season with the Seahawks, then joined the Ravens in 2017.

He had his best season as a pro in 2017, leading the team with 973 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

He also became known for his Irish dance celebrations, which he learned from his high school coach’s daughter.

Alex Collins played two more seasons with the Ravens, but was released in 2019 after he was arrested on drug and gun charges.

He returned to the Seahawks in 2021, playing in three games and rushing for 77 yards and two touchdowns.

He also played for the Memphis Showboats of the USFL earlier this year.

Collins died on August 13, 2023, at the age of 28, in a motorcycle crash in Miami Gardens, Florida.

He was riding a Suzuki motorcycle when he collided with a Chevrolet SUV at an intersection.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the SUV was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Collins was remembered by his former teammates and coaches as a kind, joyful, and passionate person who loved football and life.

His agent, Kelli Masters, said he was “so loved by so many” and “impacted lives with his joy and positive, caring spirit.” Russell Wilson, who played with Collins in Seattle, called him “one of my favorite teammates” who “brought joy to every huddle.” John Harbaugh, who coached him in Baltimore, said he was “a joy to be around” and “someone whose light shined brightly.”

The Seahawks and Ravens also issued statements expressing their condolences and grief.

Collins is survived by his parents, four siblings, and his son, Alex Jr., who was born in 2018. He also had a close relationship with his grandmother, who passed away earlier this year.

Collins’ legacy will live on through his music, as he was also an aspiring rapper who went by the stage name Ace Boogie.

He released several songs and videos on YouTube and Spotify, showcasing his talent and passion for hip-hop.

Collins was a talented and versatile athlete who overcame many challenges and obstacles in his life.

He was a beloved son, brother, father, friend, teammate, and performer who touched many hearts with his smile and spirit.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Alex Collins Former teammates

Russell Wilson, who played with Collins in Seattle, tweeted: “Heartbroken to hear about Alex Collins. One of my favorite teammates ever. He brought joy to every huddle. Praying for his family.”

John Ursua, another Seahawks teammate, wrote on Instagram: “Rest in peace brother. You were always a light in the locker room and on the field. You will be missed.”

Mark Ingram II, who played with Collins in Baltimore, posted on Twitter: “Man this hurts. RIP Alex Collins. Prayers up for his family and loved ones.”

Lamar Jackson, the Ravens quarterback, also tweeted: “RIP Alex Collins. Gone too soon. Praying for his family.”

Alex Collins Former coaches

John Harbaugh, who coached Collins in Baltimore, said in a statement: “Alex was a joy to be around and someone whose light shined brightly.

I’ll always remember him for being a great teammate who had an uplifting spirit that impacted everyone he encountered.

He was also a smart player who ran with unlimited determination, and he contributed to a lot of our success during his time in Baltimore.”

Pete Carroll, who coached Collins in Seattle, said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Alex Collins.

Collins was a talented and versatile player who overcame many challenges and obstacles in his life.

He was a beloved son, brother, father, friend, teammate, and performer who touched many hearts with his smile and spirit. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”

Alex Collins Fans and friends

Collins’ fans and admirers also expressed their condolences and grief on social media, sharing their favorite memories and photos of him.

Many praised him for his skills, passion for football, and Irish dance celebrations, which he learned from his high school coach’s daughter.

Some of his friends from the music industry also paid tribute to him, as he was an aspiring rapper who went by the stage name Ace Boogie. He released several songs and videos on YouTube and Spotify, showcasing his talent and passion for hip-hop.

One of his collaborators, DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia, tweeted: “RIP Alex Collins aka Ace Boogie. You were a great friend and a great artist. We had so much fun making music together. You will always be remembered.”

Another collaborator, rapper Lil Wyte, posted on Instagram: “Rest easy my brother Alex Collins aka Ace Boogie. You were one of the realest people I ever met. You had so much potential and talent. I’m glad we got to work together and make some fire music. You will never be forgotten.”

Collins is survived by his parents, four siblings, and his son, Alex Jr., who was born in 2018.

He also had a close relationship with his grandmother, who passed away earlier this year.

Collins’ legacy will live on through his music and his foundation, The Alex Collins Foundation, which he founded in 2019 to help underprivileged children pursue their dreams.

He was a talented and versatile athlete who overcame many challenges and obstacles in his life.

Collins was a beloved son, brother, father, friend, teammate, and performer who touched many hearts with his smile and spirit.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Conclusion