Russell Wilson and Robert Griffin III paid tributes from the NFL community to Alex Collins, after the former running back passed away at the age of 28.
Former Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks running back Collins has been killed following a motorcycle accident in Miami.
Now a Denver Broncos quarterback, Wilson previously played with Collins in Seattle for three seasons.
“To one of my favorite teammates. You have brought joy to every caucus. Keep dancing in paradise. I love you AC. Always missed,’ Wilson wrote in a touching tribute on Twitter.
Another former Collins teammate, Robert Griffin III, posted a heartfelt tribute where he recounted the former running back’s ability on the dance floor.
Her agent, Kelli Masters, paid a moving tribute to Collins on her social media accounts
Alongside a video of Collins showing off his Irish dancing, Griffin posted, “Alex Collins was such a special man.” An amazing teammate and a guy everyone was ready to play with. This man invited me and my wife once to Baltimore and I will never forget him.
Griffin, who played alongside Collins as a member of the Baltimore Ravens, added: “See, everyone loved this man and his energy was contagious.” To end the night, he hit this dance with all the fans watching him on the dance floor. WHAT A NIGHT and WHAT AN AC GUY WAS. I shared more laughs than people realize and I’m blessed to have been your teammate bro. Rest in peace.’
Collins learned Irish dancing at a dance school in Florida, using it as a way to stay in shape and improve her mobility.
“I have my little routine. I have my own hard shoes and everything. People laughed at me, and I’m like, ‘It helps me with my footwork and my conditioning,’ Collins previously said of why he got into the hobby.
The tragic incident happened on Sunday night, when Collins was driving a 2004 Suzuki GSX-R600K and collided with a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban SUV and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office says Collins crashed into the rear passenger side of the SUV and went through the window, coming to rest inside the car. He died days before what would have been his 29th birthday on August 26.
The Ravens said in a statement late Monday: “With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Alex Collins.” Always quick to greet everyone with a smile, he was a truly kind person who carried a special joy and passion wherever he went.
“May Alex always remember the light and love he brought to so many in his life.”
Alex Collins has died at the age of 28, his former NFL team, the Baltimore Ravens, has said.
Collins was running back for the Seattle Ravens and Seahawks in his NFL career
Collins played for the Ravens from 2017 to 2018, either side of the time at the Seattle Seahawks who drafted him in 2016.
The Seahawks said: “Absolutely heartbroken. Prayers go out to the Collins family.
The team also shared a statement from the Collins family, which read: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Alex Collins this morning.
“Alex was cherished by family and friends as well as supporters around the world. Anyone who really knows him can attest to his drive, determination and larger-than-life personality.
“We kindly ask for your thoughts and prayers for our family during this difficult time. We will provide updates regarding funeral arrangements as they become available.
The NFL also tweeted a brief statement saying, “The NFL family mourns the loss of Alex Collins and we send our deepest condolences to his family, teammates and loved ones.”
Ravens coach John Harbaugh added: “Alex was a joy to be around and someone whose light shone brightly.” I will always remember him for being a great teammate who had an uplifting spirit that impacted everyone he met.
“He was also a smart player who ran with boundless determination, and he was a big part of our success during his time in Baltimore. We send our deepest condolences and support to Alex’s family. May he rest now in the eternal peace of God.
Collins (left) scored 19 touchdowns during his NFL career with the Ravens and Seahawks
Geno Smith, who played with Collins at the Seahawks, wrote on Twitter: “Life is such a crazy man. Fly high boy til we meet again.
The Arkansas Razorbacks, who he played for in college, said: “We are so saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of Alex Collins. He was a legendary Razorback and an even better person.
“His love for the Razorbacks and his desire to be a pig was undeniable. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Russell Wilson, who played with Collins in Seattle, took to Twitter and wrote: “To one of my favorite teammates. You brought joy to every huddle. Keep dancing in heaven. I t’ love AC.Never missed.
Quarterback Robert Griffin III, a teammate of Collins on the Ravens in 2018, also shared his condolences.
“I can’t believe Alex Collins is no longer with us,” he said. ‘AC was a real one. Prayers for his family and loved ones.
His agent, Kelli Masters, wrote on Twitter: “As many of you have now heard, Alex Collins passed away this morning.
“My heart is broken and I’m just lost. Alex you were so loved by so many people. You have impacted lives with your joy and positive, caring spirit…and that big smile. I was so honored to be your agent and so proud of how you persevered through all adversity.
Collins (right) had played for the USFL’s Memphis Showboats earlier this year
“Through the highest and lowest of lows, you have inspired me to keep fighting no matter what. I will never forget you.’
Collins was drafted in the fifth round by the Seahawks in the 2016 NFL Draft.
He spent his rookie season in Seattle, playing 11 games, before spending the next two years with the Ravens.
Collins played 25 games for Baltimore (22 starts) and had 1,384 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.
He returned to Seattle for the final two years of his career, last appearing in the 2021 season. Collins played for the USFL Memphis Showboats this year.
Collins was waived by the Ravens in March 2019 when he was arrested in Baltimore after a car accident. Police found a handgun and five ounces of marijuana in the vehicle after noticing its scent.
