Alex Collins, 28, a former NFL running back who played for the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens, died in a motorbike accident in South Florida.
The Broward County Sheriff's Office said that Collins was killed Sunday night, August 13, near Lauderdale Lakes after the motorcycle that he was riding collided with a sport-utility vehicle.
Upsetting News for the Sports Community
According to AP News, Collins' motorbike crashed into the back of the SUV as it turned left. It was reported by the sheriff's office that upon impact, Collins went through a glass of the SUV and landed inside. An autopsy confirmed Collins' death. Police said the SUV driver, who was not identified, stayed at the scene and was cooperative.
On Monday night, August 14, the Seahawks issued a statement on behalf of Collins' family.
"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."
Collins spent three years as a collegiate player at Arkansas, where he averaged over a thousand yards each season as a runner. At Mississippi in 2015, he was a part of one of the most iconic plays in recent SEC history, which put him in second place on the school's all-time running chart behind Darren McFadden.
The official Arkansas Razorbacks account on X (formerly Twitter) posted, "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 desire to be a Hog was undeniable. We will miss him greatly. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time."
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 desire to be a Hog was undeniable. We will miss him greatly. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this… pic.twitter.com/O1MhthAQer
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) August 15, 2023
Collins was a member of the Seahawks for three years and the Ravens for two. In 2017, he led Baltimore in rushing with 973 yards. Coach of the Baltimore Ravens, John Harbaugh, stated, "Alex was a joy to be around and someone whose light shined brightly. l always remember him for being a great teammate who had an uplifting spirit that impacted everyone he encountered. He was also a smart player who ran with unlimited determination, and he contributed to a lot of our success during his time in Baltimore." This year, Collins was a member of the USFL's Memphis Showboats.
“Alex was a joy to be around and someone whose light shined brightly.”
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 15, 2023
Coach Harbaugh on Alex Collins. pic.twitter.com/X5u8va0VFA
Horrible Death of Another Sports Icon
The terrible death of yet another ex-NFL player occurred in June. Accidental drowning in the Gulf of Mexico reportedly claimed the life of former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett two months ago.
On June 27, police and first responders were called to a beach in Destin to help a group of people trying to swim back to shore around 50 miles east of Pensacola in Florida's panhandle. Mallett reportedly went under and was not breathing when pulled out.
He was transported to an emergency room but proclaimed dead despite the medical staff's best attempts.
