The football community mourned the tragic death of former NFL running back Alex Collins, who was reportedly involved in a fatal motorcycle crash in Florida.
Collins was a beloved running back who played for the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks during his five seasons in the NFL.
He had spent last season with the Memphis Showboats of the USFL and starred collegiately at the University of Arkansas.
As news of Collins’ passing became known, tributes from those who knew Collins spread across social media.
“My heart is broken, and I am just at a loss,” Collins’ agent Kelli Masters Reneau wrote on X, the social media app formally known as Twitter. “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.”
Collins wasn’t alone in her heartbreak over the news.
Former quarterback Robert Griffin III expressed his sadness in a post of his own.
“Can’t believe Alex Collins is no longer with us. AC was a real one. Prayers up for his family and loved ones,” he said.
Collins’ death struck a chord with his alma mater in Arkansas, which had a number of team staff and fans reacting to the news with shock and dismay.
“Alex Collins was such a wonderful person and loved the Razorbacks and we loved him too,” University of Arkansas football coach Sam Pittman wrote on X. “Our thoughts are with his family and his teammates and the entire Razorback Nation. RIP #3”
Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek wrote: “Our @RazorbackFB family is again grieving the untimely loss of one of our own. Alex Collins was an electrifying player on the field & a ray of light in life. He loved being a Razorback & the state loved him! Thoughts & prayers to his family, friends & teammates.”
Ravens fans were quick to recall how Collins had reached out to a then-12-year-old boy from Iowa who had been bullied because he did Irish step dancing.
Collins, who himself had taken it up to help with his footwork, met with the boy during a game in Minnesota in 2017.
“Vividly remember when he met with a young boy who had been bullied for his love of Irish dance. He helped give the boy confidence to do the thing he loved. Pure soul who’s gone too soon,” user @brandieeemac wrote on X.
Collins died on Sunday evening after the motorcycle he was riding struck another vehicle in Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.
Read more
