Former NFL running back, South Plantation High star Alex Collins dies in Lauderdale Lakes crash

Alex Collins, a South Florida high school football standout who later played for two NFL teams, died in a motorcycle crash Sunday night in Lauderdale Lakes.

Shortly before 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Collins was riding a 2004 Suzuki GSX-R600K motorcycle east on West Oakland Park Boulevard approaching Northwest 33rd Avenue as a woman driving a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban SUV was driving west, the Broward Sheriff’s Office said in a release Monday night.

The Chevrolet driver made a left turn onto Northwest 33rd Avenue and collided with the motorcycle while crossing the eastbound lanes, the Sheriff’s Office said. Collins’ motorcycle crashed into the back passenger’s side of the SUV, ejecting him off the bike and into the car through the back passenger’s side window.

Collins, 28, of Lauderhill, was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman driving the Chevrolet stayed at the scene and cooperated, the Sheriff’s Office said.

It is not clear whether she was injured. Her name is being withheld under Marsy’s Law, a voter-approved constitutional amendment that allows crime victims to withhold identifying information from the public.

Collins attended Dillard High School before transferring to South Plantation High School and quickly became a player to watch; even other high school coaches were attempting to recruit him, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported in 2011.

He committed to the University of Arkansas and was named the SEC Freshman of the Week in 2013. In a statement Monday night on Facebook, the football program called Collins a “legendary Razorback and an even better person.”

“His love for the Razorbacks and desire to be a Hog was undeniable. We will miss him greatly. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the statement said.

Collins played three seasons with the Seahawks and two with the Ravens and was a 2016 NFL Draft fifth-round selection, the NFL said in a statement. He would have turned 29 years old later this month.

“In five seasons, he produced 483 carries for 1,997 yards and 18 touchdowns to go with another 467 yards receiving in 50 career games (29 starts), garnering smiles along the way for his post-TD Irish dance celebrations,” the NFL said. “Though he began and ended his playing days with the Seahawks (2016, 2020-2021), his best season was had with the Ravens.”

The Ravens released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, shortly before 8:30 p.m. Monday.

“Alex was a joy to be around and someone whose light shined brightly.”

Coach Harbaugh on Alex Collins. pic.twitter.com/X5u8va0VFA

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 15, 2023

“With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Alex Collins. Always quick to greet everyone with a smile, he was a genuinely kind person who carried a special joy and passion wherever he went,” the statement said. “May Alex always be remembered for the light and love he brought to so many people in his life.”

Head coach John Harbaugh said in a statement, “Alex was a joy to be around and someone whose light shined brightly. 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. May he rest in God’s eternal peace.”

The Ravens released Collins, who played there for two seasons, ahead of the 2019 season after an arrest following a car crash in Owings Mills, near the team’s facility, the Baltimore Sun reported. He returned to the Seahawks in 2020.

Collins’ family announced his death through a statement by the Seahawks on X about 9:30 p.m.

A statement from the Collins family. pic.twitter.com/XWteHpgM3r

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 15, 2023

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Alex Collins this morning. Alex was cherished by his family and friends as well as supporters from all around the world,” the statement said. “All who truly know him can attest to his drive, determination, and larger-than-life personality. We kindly request your thoughts and prayers for our family during this difficult time. We ask for privacy as we navigate through our grief. We will provide updates regarding funeral arrangements as they become available.”

Collins’ last NFL season was in 2021. He most recently played with the USFL Memphis Showboats, where his campaign ended in May due to an injury, the NFL’s statement said.

Information from the South Florida Sun Sentinel archives was used in this report.