Alex Collins died Sunday while riding a motorcycle in Florida. The former NFL running back, second on the Arkansas Razorbacks’ all-time rushing list, was 28.
The best two years of his professional career were spent with the Baltimore Ravens in 2017 and 2018. In 2017 he ran for a career-high 973 yards and six touchdowns, and the following year he scored eight times.
He made an impression on everyone he came into contact with.
Marlon Humphrey, a cornerback who also signed with the Ravens in 2017, will recall the jokes.
John Harbaugh, the head coach, will recall the dancing.
Additionally, Collins’ positive energy will be remembered by Mark Andrews, a rookie in 2018.
Andrews remarked, “Someone that was always happy, having fun.” “Very nice guy to have in the changing area, and very sorry for what transpired. I’m praying for him and having sympathy for his family.
Humphrey took the awful news as a sobering reality check.
Humphrey, 27, declared, “Life is really real.”
He continued, “(You) never think about a guy that was just in the league, playing with the guy, that life could end so soon.”
Collins was referred to by Humphrey as “a funny teammate” who had everyone in stitches. Collins’ trip, though, is equally noteworthy.
When Humphrey first saw Collins, he was jogging down the field during scout team kickoff, not long after they arrived at minicamp.
“He was part of the practice squad,” Humphrey remarked.
After a few months, Collins was attempting to have a 1,000-yard campaign.
“I’m sure it was a surreal feeling for him, but also it was also: you really can start low and get where you want to be,” Humphrey continued.
After being selected by the Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2016 draft, Collins was let go the following year. The Ravens added him to the practice squad two days later.
Humphrey remarked, “A lot of ups and downs, but it can happen.”
QB Lamar Jackson, like his teammates, had pleasant memories of his time spent with Collins, whom he referred to as “AC” in his first campaign.
“We used to spend a lot of time in the locker room talking and having fun,” Jackson, who was up in the Broward County, Florida, neighborhood of Collins, said. “Excellent energy, a pleasure to be with.” I’m sorry for his loss, especially for his family, as he was a wonderful man.
He brought “great energy” to the practice field each and every day, according to Harbaugh. Nor was he afraid to make a move.
Harbaugh remarked, “And we loved having him here.”
Humphrey felt moved to provide a message in response to Collins’ passing.
“I just want to encourage everyone – whoever’s listening – just tell your people that you love them,” he continued, “because you truly just never know.”
