Former NFL running back Alex Collins, who played three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and two with the Baltimore Ravens, died on Monday morning as the result of a motorcycle accident, the Seahawks announced.
He was 28.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Alex Collins this morning,” Collins’ family said in a statement released through the Seahawks. “Alex was cherished by his family and friends as well as supporters from all around the world. All who truly know him can attest to his drive, determination, and larger-than-life personality. We kindly request your thoughts and prayers for our family during this difficult time. We ask for privacy as we navigate through our grief. We will provide updates regarding funeral arrangements as they become available.”
“The NFL family mourns the loss of Alex Collins and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, teammates and loved ones,” the league statement read.
Collins, who would have turned 29 on Aug. 28, was a 2016 NFL Draft fifth-round selection of the Seahawks out of Arkansas.
In five seasons, he produced 483 carries for 1,997 yards and 18 touchdowns to go with another 467 yards receiving in 50 career games (29 starts), garnering smiles along the way for his post-TD Irish dance celebrations.
Though he began and ended his playing days with the Seahawks (2016, 2020-2021), his best season was had with the Ravens.
Collins ran for a career-best 973 yards and six touchdowns in 2017 to lead the Baltimore rushing attack.
While his final NFL season was in 2021, Collins played with the Memphis Showboats of the USFL this past spring. He ended his campaign there in May when he was placed on injured reserve.
Said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh:
“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.”
The NFL family mourns the loss of Alex Collins and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, teammates and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/rHqGL6bAmd
— NFL (@NFL) August 15, 2023
“Alex was a joy to be around and someone whose light shined brightly.”
Coach Harbaugh on Alex Collins. pic.twitter.com/X5u8va0VFA
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 15, 2023
Absolutely heartbroken.
Prayers are with the Collins family. pic.twitter.com/ufOLkyT9f6
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 15, 2023
