Former Seahawks, Ravens standout Alex Collins dead at 28 as tributes pour in

Former Seahawks and Ravens running back Alex Collins died Monday morning in a traffic accident, less than two weeks before his 29th birthday. The tributes to the man speak volumes on the impact he had on his teammates and fans.

Alex Collins was a gifted running back, a terrific team player, and an absolute joy to watch on the field. It's painful to write the word "was" when talking about a 28-year-old man who gave so much to his team and his fans. He rushed for less than 2,000 yards and scored just 19 touchdowns in his career, but he was much more than a stat line. He may have never led the Seahawks in rushing, but no one bested him in effort or love of the game.

The Seahawks selected Alex Collins in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL draft. While he got into 11 games, he only had 31 carries for 125 yards. Despite scoring a touchdown and pulling down all 11 of his targeted passes, the Hawks decided they didn't have room for him the following year, despite the fact he led the team in rushing that preseason. The Ravens were happy to sign him. All he did was lead Baltimore in rushing with 973 yards and six scores. Injuries derailed him the next year, and he returned to Seattle for the 2020 season. Injuries again limited him to three games, but he made six starts for the Hawks in 2021, highlighted by his 101-yard effort against the Steelers. When given the opportunity, Collins could be stellar.

Former Seahawks RB Alex Collins is remembered for who he was, not what he accomplished

As I said, Alex Collins was much more than just a stat line for the Seahawks (or the Ravens, for that matter). As reported by John Boyle on seahawks.com, John Schneider made this statement: "The Seahawks family along with the 12s are so saddened to hear of Alex's passing. Alex's infectious smile and classic river dance skills will forever be missed. Alex would light up a room and was beloved by our entire building." There are dozens of posts on social media from former teammates, of course, running the gamut from Robert Griffin III to Geno Smith, and of course, Russell Wilson. I think it speaks volumes about the respect Collins had in the league when the NFL posts this:

Collins took up Irish dance to improve his footwork, but it soon became one of the most recognizable and unique touchdown celebrations in the league. We've all seen him dance in the endzone, of course, but I prefer this rendition he gave for the King County United Way. It just seems to speak more about the man in this setting.

It doesn't matter how old someone is when they pass; it's always too soon for their family and friends. But when someone dies at the age of 28, well, that's a true tragedy. Alex Collins may not have been the biggest star in the league, but he was respected and beloved by all. That transcends anything he could have ever done on the football field. Dance on, Alex Collins, dance on.

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