The NFL community is mourning the loss of one of their own. On Sunday (August 13), former running back Alex Collins was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident while driving down the 3300 block of West Oakland Park Boulevard in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. Collins was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Details of the accident weren’t immediately available, but a report by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office on August 14 provided more details about what happened. According to the report, Collins was ‘traveling eastbound on a 2004 Suzuki GSX-R600K motorcycle’ when he ran into a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban SUV.
Collins’ motorcycle made impact with the rear passenger side of the SUV, causing him to ‘enter the rear passenger side window’ and eventually ‘come to a final rest inside the car’ – it also caused the SUV to rotate clockwise before coming to a full stop. The unnamed SUV driver cooperated with the investigation.
On Wednesday (August 16), TMZ obtained raw audio footage of the 911 call – which was placed by the unnamed SUV driver roughly three minutes after the accident happened. She explained to the dispatcher that she was hit from behind and was ‘hysterical’ while she struggled to find the motorcyclist that hit her.
Never forget when Alex Collins took the time to meet Carl Tubbs, a 7th grader who was bullied for being a boy learning Irish dancing.
— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) August 15, 2023
Alex Collins practiced Irish dancing to help with his footwork in the NFL. Alex motivated Carl to continue practicing dancing. A great guy ????️ pic.twitter.com/ONHkp2tS61
Towards the end of the 911 call, several voices can be heard in the background telling the driver that the motorcyclist (Alex Collins) was in her vehicle – just like the police report explained. The bystanders urged the driver to open the car door ASAP. Police arrived quickly and pronounced Collins dead at the scene.
The Baltimore Ravens – one of the two teams Alex Collins played for during his five-year NFL career – were the first to confirm his death. Taking to X (Twitter), they said he was ‘always quick to greet everyone with a smile’ and was a ‘genuinely kind person who carried a special joy and passion wherever he went.
With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Alex Collins. pic.twitter.com/IDywUZ8m73
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 15, 2023
Alex Collins was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 5th round (No. 171 overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent the next five years with the Seahawks and Ravens and played in 50 games (29 starts) before taking his talents to the USFL. He had 2,464 yards and 19 total touchdowns in his NFL career.
NFL Community Mourns the Loss of Alex Collins
In the hours after Alex Collins’ tragic death went viral, the former NFL running back received an endless amount of tributes on social media as former teams, coaches, teammates, fans, friends, and family members honored a life that was gone too soon. He was universally regarded as a good human being.
A statement from the Collins family. pic.twitter.com/XWteHpgM3r
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 15, 2023
The Seattle Seahawks shared a statement from Collins’ family on August 14. “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,” the family wrote – asking for privacy at this time.
Raven’s head coach John Harbaugh described Collins as a ‘joy to be around and someone whose light shined brightly’ – praising him for his ‘uplifting spirit that impacted everyone he encountered.’ Russell Wilson called him one of his favorite teammates and praised him for bringing ‘joy to every huddle.’
To one of my favorite teammates.
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) August 15, 2023
You brought joy to every huddle.
Keep Dancin’ in Heaven.
Love you AC. Forever missed. #RIP pic.twitter.com/X6dbhWzifH
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Alex Collins last played in the NFL in 2021 with the Seattle Seahawks. His last game was on December 12, 2021, when he finished with 16 yards on 7 carries and one yard on one reception in a 33-13 win over the Texans. He signed with the Memphis Showboats of the USFL in January 2023. May he rest in peace.