Russell Wilson, Robert Griffin III, Bret Bielema and others remember Razorback legend Alex Collins
The news of Alex Collins’ untimely passing sent shockwaves through the Arkansas fanbase and all corners of the football world.
As you read through the countless remembrances and condolences shared on social media, there’s a common theme. Alex Collins was just as special of a person off the field as he was on the field.
He only spent three seasons at Arkansas and had a few cups of coffee in the NFL, but it’s very evident that Collins left a mark on everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
Here’s just a few of the tributes and memories for Collins that were shared to social media.
Baltimore Ravens
With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Alex Collins. pic.twitter.com/IDywUZ8m73
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 15, 2023
Alex Collins spent two seasons with the Ravens from 2017-2018 after being drafted by the Seattle Seahawks. He rushed for 1,384 yards and 13 touchdowns during those two seasons in Baltimore.
Hunter Yurachek
Our @RazorbackFB family is again grieving the untimely loss of one of our own. Alex Collins was an electrifying player on the field & a ray of light in life. He loved being a Razorback & the state loved him! Thoughts & prayers to his family, friends & teammates. #OneRazorback pic.twitter.com/78xc5ncD2L
— Hunter Yurachek (@HunterYurachek) August 15, 2023
The current Arkansas athletic director sent out a heartfelt message regarding the former running back. You can expect the Arkansas football team will honor Collins, Ryan Mallett and Chris Smith throughout this season.
Sam Pittman
Alex Collins was such a wonderful person and loved the Razorbacks and we loved him too. Our thoughts are with his family and his teammates and the entire Razorback Nation. RIP #3
— Coach Sam Pittman (@CoachSamPittman) August 15, 2023
Sam Pittman spent two seasons with Alex Collins while he was the Arkansas offensive line coach. Having a running back as talented as Collins made things easy for the offensive line and vice versa.
Robert Griffin III
Alex Collins was so special man. Amazing teammate and a guy everyone was down to kick it with. This man invited me and wifey out one time in Baltimore and I will never forget it. We show up to the spot and AC is no where to be found. We are looking around for him for 20 min and… pic.twitter.com/zNLjxk5vRh
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 15, 2023
Former Heisman Trophy quarterback and current ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III penned a lengthy and thoughtful tribute to Collins.
“Everywhere AC went that night everyone knew him. Everyone was excited to see him, laughing when he came around and showing him love. You see everyone loved this man and his energy was contagious. To end the night, he hit this dance with all the fans watching him on the dance floor. WHAT A NIGHT and WHAT A GUY AC WAS.”
Russell Wilson
To one of my favorite teammates.
You brought joy to every huddle.
Keep Dancin’ in Heaven.Love you AC. Forever missed. #RIP pic.twitter.com/X6dbhWzifH
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) August 15, 2023
Russell Wilson was teammates with Collins for three seasons with the Seahawks. It’s quite evident how much everyone loved to be around Collins and how great of a teammate he was.
Jonathan Williams
Alex single handedly pushed me more than any other player that I’ve ever played with. We were a great tandem and I will always appreciate the time we put in together
— Jonathan Williams (@Jwillpart2) August 14, 2023
Who could forget the extremely talented backfield duo of Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins? They broke so many records and were two of the most feared running backs in all of college football during their time.
— Jonathan Williams (@Jwillpart2) August 14, 2023
Bret Bielema
From a HS visit with his coach Doug Gatewood to our journey at Arkansas. To the Seahawks on draft night & the move to Baltimore he touched so many lives. I’m glad I got to know that smile & loving soul. Thank you for always loving my family & always being you! I love you AC #RIP pic.twitter.com/QGvCxHUJVK
— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) August 15, 2023
Collins headlined Bret Bielema’s first recruiting class at Arkansas, and lived up to the hype that was advertised. It’s hard to forget how far Collins came from the drama of his signing day ceremony – where he almost didn’t make it to Arkansas – to becoming one of the school’s best ever.
Mina Kimes
Man this Alex Collins news is so sad. I always thought of this when I saw him play—he was so charming and joyful whenever he talked about it. https://t.co/lJKX3hEMKN
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) August 15, 2023
ESPN analyst Mina Kimes shares a nice message about Collins. Many may remember how Collins started studying Irish dancing to help him with his shiftiness running the football.
Mike Irwin
One of the things I remember most about Alex Collins was his self appointed role as an unofficial tour guide for new students on campus or parents visiting for the first time. He had a way of picking up on those who appeared confused or lost and stepping in to help. Great guy.
— Mike Irwin (@MikeIrwinPTN) August 15, 2023
Legendary Arkansas reporter Mike Irwin remembers Collins for his role of welcoming new people to campus. This is one of the countless stories of his generosity that has been shared.
Drew Morgan
Country boy from Florida that could do the Irish dance… always got along with everyone. Champion mindset. RIP3 pic.twitter.com/41XLujm848
— Drew Morgan (@drewmorgan15) August 15, 2023
Drew Morgan was teammates with Collins during their Arkansas careers. They both played important roles in the success of the Razorback program during Bret Bielema’s tenure as coach.
NFL
The NFL family mourns the loss of Alex Collins and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, teammates and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/rHqGL6bAmd
— NFL (@NFL) August 15, 2023
The official NFL account sent their condolences to Alex’s family, teammates and loved ones. Collins was a fifth round draft pick and spent five seasons in the league.
Arkansas Razorbacks
Love you, Budda ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UxXeAlIcxf
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) August 15, 2023
Alex Collins set countless records and received numerous accolades while attending the University of Arkansas. In his three seasons, he recorded 3,703 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns for the Razorbacks. He’s second on the Razorback career rushing yards list, behind only Darren McFadden.
We are so saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of Alex Collins. He was 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… pic.twitter.com/O1MhthAQer
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) August 15, 2023
Julian Horton
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾. pic.twitter.com/8bCB2btokS
— J-12 (@JulianHorton12) August 15, 2023
Julian Horton spent a year with Collins in Fayetteville, and also spent time with former Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett, who passed away just two months ago. Collins and Mallett were actually teammates on the Baltimore Ravens for a short stint during their respective professional careers.
RIP Alex. Through life, through death, I know that God has everything under control and we don’t see from His perspective but damn, it still hurts. RIP to my brothas 🙏🏾 https://t.co/JW8D0fBQS3
— J-12 (@JulianHorton12) August 15, 2023
More from Bret Bielema
Former @RazorbackFB HC @BretBielema shared some thoughts on Alex Collins with me:
“Loved Alex and one of the most rewarding relationships in my coaching career on so many levels
Incredible human being
So full of love and life
He loved being a Razorback
Big time” pic.twitter.com/kWQwyisyDv
— Trey Schaap (@trey1037TheBuzz) August 15, 2023
Bret Bielema offered more thoughts on what Alex Collins meant to him. It’s clear how special their relationship was, even after their time in Fayetteville ended.
John Harbaugh
“He was a great guy.”
Head coach John Harbaugh opens his presser with heartfelt words regarding the passing of Alex Collins: pic.twitter.com/h14NgLXUmx
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 15, 2023
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh shares a heartfelt message to begin his training camp press conference on Tuesday morning. Harbaugh coached Collins during his two seasons with the Ravens.
