The N.F.L. community mourns the loss of Alex Collins, a former running back renowned for his contributions to the Seattle Seahawks and the Baltimore Ravens. The sports world was shocked by the news of his untimely death in a tragic motorcycle crash that occurred in South Florida on Sunday.
At the age of 28, Alex Collins met with a fatal accident while riding a 2004 Suzuki GSX-R600K motorcycle. The collision transpired with a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban S.U.V. in Lauderdale Lakes, Fla., as confirmed by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office through an official news release on Monday.
The sequence of events unfolded as the S.U.V. initiated a left turn, resulting in a collision with Mr. Collins on his motorcycle. The impact of the crash was of such magnitude that it propelled Mr. Collins through the rear passenger side window of the S.U.V., marking the intensity of the collision.
The authorities at the scene declared Alex Collins as deceased, while the S.U.V. driver, whose identity remains undisclosed, cooperated with the ongoing investigation and remained present at the accident site.
Alex Collins’ family affirmed the tragic news on Monday, expressing their profound sorrow through a statement released by the Seahawks. The statement emphasized the significance of Alex in their lives and amongst his friends. Described as a person driven by his determination, larger-than-life personality, and relentless ambition, Alex Collins’ legacy lives on. The family shared that further details regarding the funeral arrangements will be communicated at a later time.
The loss reverberated throughout the Seahawks organization. John Schneider, the Seahawks executive vice president and general manager, fondly recalled Alex’s vibrant spirit, captivating smile, and his distinctive Riverdance-style touchdown celebration. Mr. Schneider acknowledged Alex’s remarkable achievements, both on and off the field, labeling him as one of the most prolific runners in the history of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Alex Collins was celebrated not only for his football prowess but also for his unique touchdown celebrations. His short Riverdance-inspired routine, performed after scoring touchdowns, became his signature move. It sparked discussions and intrigued audiences, making Alex Collins an emblematic figure in the N.F.L. The running back revealed his connection to Irish dancing in a 2018 interview on the talk show “Pickler and Ben.” He attributed his explosive moves on the field to the demanding nature of Irish dancing, which requires constant bouncing and agility. In his own words, “It’s definitely made me a lot more explosive.”
Selected as a fifth-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2016, Alex Collins embarked on an impactful N.F.L. journey. His career spanned three seasons with the Seahawks and two with the Ravens. Impressively, he amassed 483 carries, contributing to a total of 1,997 yards and 18 touchdowns, as per N.F.L. records. His standout year was in 2017 with the Ravens, where he recorded an impressive 973 yards and six touchdowns.
After his tenure in the N.F.L. concluded in 2021, Alex Collins transitioned to the United States Football League (USFL) to play for the Memphis Showboats. Unfortunately, his time with the team was cut short due to an injury that led to his placement on the injured reserve list.
The N.F.L. community, fans, and his loved ones remember Alex Collins for his spirited presence on and off the field. His legacy continues to inspire the world of sports, as he remains an enduring figure in the hearts of those who admired his achievements, resilience, and unique celebrations.