Former Ravens and Seahawks RB Alex Collins dies at 28

Former Ravens running back Alex Collins dies at age 28. Ravens and Seahawks express heartbreak over his passing.

The Baltimore Ravens made a heartbreaking announcement on Monday night, revealing that former running back Alex Collins had passed away at the age of 28. The cause of his death was not disclosed in the team's statement. Collins had an impressive career in the NFL, spending five seasons in the league, with two notable stints with the Ravens.

During his time with Baltimore, Collins emerged as a key player and was the team's leading rusher in 2017. He accumulated an impressive 973 yards and scored six touchdowns, contributing to the Ravens' 9-7 record that season. Prior to his time with the Ravens, Collins also had a brief stint with the Seattle Seahawks in 2016, after being selected by the team in the 2016 NFL Draft. He returned to Seattle for parts of the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Before making his mark in the NFL, Collins had a standout collegiate career at Arkansas. He left a lasting legacy at the university, finishing as the Razorbacks' second-leading rusher of all time, with an impressive 3,703 yards. In his junior year in 2015, Collins had a remarkable season, rushing for 1,577 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns.

The Ravens paid tribute to Collins in their statement, describing him as a genuinely kind person who brought a special passion and joy wherever he went. The news of his passing deeply saddened the Seattle Seahawks as well, who expressed their heartbreak in a tweet following the Ravens' announcement. Ravens coach John Harbaugh also released a statement, praising Collins as a great teammate with an uplifting spirit that touched everyone he encountered.

Collins' impact extended beyond the football field, as he was known for his love of Irish dancing. Several reporters fondly remembered his passion for this unique hobby, which he brought with him onto the gridiron. His agent, Kelli Masters, fondly remembered Collins' positive and caring spirit.

The loss of Collins marks another tragic event for the Baltimore Ravens, who have experienced the untimely deaths of several former players in recent years. In addition to Collins and Ryan Mallett, who tragically drowned in June at the age of 35, the team also mourned the loss of Jaylon Ferguson, a former edge rusher who passed away at the age of 26, and Tony Siragusa, a former defensive lineman who died at 55, both in 2022.

The passing of Alex Collins leaves a void in the football community, particularly among his former teammates and the Arkansas Razorbacks. He will be remembered as a legendary Razorback and an exceptional individual. Collins' impact on and off the field will not be forgotten, and his memory will continue to inspire those who knew him.