Former NFL, USFL running back Alex Collins, 28, dies in motorcycle crash

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Former NFL and USFL running back Alex Collins, who played five seasons for the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens, was killed in a motorcycle crash in South Florida, authorities said. He was 28.

Collins was driving a motorcycle that crashed into a sport-utility vehicle Sunday night in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

The SUV was making a left turn when Collins’ motorcycle hit its rear passenger side. The impact caused Collins to go through a window of the SUV and come to rest inside the vehicle, the sheriff’s office said. Collins was pronounced dead at the scene.

The SUV driver, whose name was withheld, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, authorities said.

Collins played five seasons in the NFL between 2016-2018 and 2020-21 with the Ravens and Seahawks. He then played the 2023 USFL season with the Memphis Showboats.

The Seahawks released a statement from Collins’ family Monday night.

“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,” the statement said. “We kindly request your thoughts and prayers for our family during this difficult time.”

“Alex was a joy to be around and someone whose light shined brightly,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement released by the team. “I’ll always remember him for being a great teammate who had an uplifting spirit that impacted everyone he encountered. … We send our heartfelt condolences and support to Alex’s family.”

Collins ran for 1,997 yards in his NFL career. He spent his rookie season with the Seahawks and the next two years with the Ravens. He missed the 2019 season before returning to Seattle for two more seasons in 2020 and 2021.

Collins missed the 2022 NFL season before signing with the Showboats for the 2023 USFL campaign, when he racked up 98 rushing yards, 35 receiving yards, one rushing touchdown and one passing touchdown in three games before being placed on injured reserve.

“The USFL family is absolutely heartbroken by the passing of Alex Collins,” said Daryl Johnston, President of Football Operations. “He played the game of football with such passion and was a great teammate and ambassador of the game. Alex represented the best of our sport both on and off the field. On behalf of the USFL family, the Memphis Showboats, and our fans who watched and cheered his incredible talents, we send our deepest condolences to Alex’s family, friends and teammates.”

Collins also had a standout career at the University of Arkansas, where he rushed for more than 1,000 yards in all three of his seasons. He’s second to Darren McFadden on the school’s career rushing list.

The NFL, USFL, and Arkansas football also put out statements mourning Collins’ death.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.