Alex Collins, a former NFL running back who played two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, died at age 28 following a motorcycle crash.
Lamar Jackson played alongside the fellow Florida native in 2018. The quarterback reflected on Collins’ loss at Tuesday’s practice.
“That’s my boy. He’s from Broward County, too” Jackson said of Collins. “He was here my rookie year. We was always chatting, playing around and stuff like that in the locker room. Great energy, great guy to be around. Just sorry for the loss, especially to his family, because he was a great guy.”
“He was a great guy to be around.”@Lj_era8 on the passing of Alex Collins: pic.twitter.com/7fqMVY4PNf
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 15, 2023
Jackson re-posted a video where Collins — about to get tackled well behind the line of scrimmage on fourth down — reversed the field and scored an improbable touchdown.
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) August 15, 2023
Collins tallied a career-high eight touchdowns in 2018 before returning to the Seattle Seahawks. However, he suffered a season-ending leg injury during Jackson’s first career start.
The Ravens called Collins a “genuinely kind person who carried a special joy and passion wherever he went” when confirming his death on Monday night. Head coach John Harbaugh also mourned his former player.
“Alex was a joy to be around and someone whose light shined brightly,” Harbaugh stated. “I’ll 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. We send our heartfelt condolences and support to Alex’s family.”