Alex Collins’ death rocks NFL community as Russell Wilson and Robert Griffin III lead tributes to running back who ‘brought joy to every huddle’ after he crashed his motorcycle into an SUV

Russell Wilson and Robert Griffin III have paid tribute to Alex Collins from the NFL community after the former running back passed away at age 28.

Former Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks running back Collins was killed following a motorcycle accident in Miami.

Now a quarterback for the Denver Broncos, Wilson previously played three seasons with Collins in Seattle.

“To one of my favorite teammates. You brought joy to every group. Keep dancing in heaven. I love you AC. Missed forever,” Wilson wrote in a touching tribute on Twitter.

Another former Collins teammate, Robert Griffin III, posted a heartfelt tribute talking about the ex’s ability to run back on the dance floor.

Along with a video of Collins showing off his Irish dancing, Griffin posted, “Alex Collins was such a special man. Great teammate and a man everyone agreed with. This man invited me and my wife to Baltimore once and I’ll never forget it.”

Griffin, who played alongside Collins as a member of the Baltimore Ravens, added, “You can tell everyone loved this guy and his energy was contagious. To close out 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. More laughs than people know and I’m blessed to have been your teammate, my brother. Rest in peace.’

Collins learned Irish dance at a dance school in Florida and used it as a means of keeping fit and improving his mobility.

“I have my own little routine. I have my own hard shoes and stuff. People made fun of me, and I thought, “It helps with my footwork and my fitness,” Collins previously said of why he took part in the hobby.

The tragic incident occurred on Sunday night, when Collins was riding a 2004 Suzuki GSX-R600K and collided with a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban SUV and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Broward County Sheriff’s Office says Collins crashed into the passenger side of the SUV and went through the window before coming to rest inside the car. He died just days before what would have been his 29th birthday on August 26.

The Ravens said in a statement Monday night: “It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of Alex Collins. Always quick to greet everyone with a smile, he was a genuinely nice person who carried a special joy and passion with him everywhere he went.

“May Alex always be remembered for the light and love he brought so many people into his life.”

Collins played for the Ravens from 2017-18, on either side of the time with the Seattle Seahawks who drafted him in 2016.

The Seahawks said, “Absolutely heartbroken. Prayers are with the Collins family.”

The team also shared a statement from the Collins family, which said: ‘It is with a heavy heart 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 around the world. Anyone who really knows him can attest to his drive, determination and larger-than-life personality.

“We kindly ask for your thoughts and prayers for our family during this difficult time. We will provide updates on funeral arrangements as they become available.”

The NFL also tweeted a short statement that read, “The NFL family is mourning the loss of Alex Collins and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, teammates and loved ones.”

Ravens coach John Harbaugh added, “Alex was a joy to be around and someone whose light shone brightly. I will always remember him as a great teammate who had an uplifting spirit that influenced everyone he encountered.

“He was also a smart player who ran with unlimited determination, and he contributed a lot to our success during his time in Baltimore. We extend our sincere condolences and support to Alex’s family. May he now rest in God’s eternal peace.”

Geno Smith, who played with Collins on the Seahawks, wrote on Twitter: “Life so crazy man. Fly high my boy until we meet again.’

The Arkansas Razorbacks, for whom he played in college, said, “We are so saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of Alex Collins. He was a legendary Razorback and an even better human being.

His love for the Razorbacks and desire to be a Boar was undeniable. We will miss him very much. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.”

Russell Wilson, who played with Collins in Seattle, took to Twitter and wrote, “To one of my favorite teammates. You brought joy to every group. Keep dancing in heaven. I love you AC. Missed forever.’

Quarterback Robert Griffin III, a teammate from Collins’ on the Ravens in 2018, also offered his condolences.

“I can’t believe Alex Collins is no longer with us,” he said. ‘AC was a real one. Prayers for his family and loved ones.”

His agent, Kelli Masters, wrote on Twitter, “As many of you have now heard, Alex Collins passed away this morning.

My heart is broken and I’m just at my wits end. Alex, you were so loved by so many. You’ve impacted lives with your joy and positive, caring spirit… and that big smile. I was so honored to be your agent and so proud of how you persevered through all the adversity.

“Through the highest highs and the lowest lows, you inspired me to keep fighting no matter what. I will never forget you.’

Collins was drafted in the fifth round by the Seahawks in the 2016 NFL Draft.

He spent his rookie season in Seattle, appearing in 11 games, before spending the next two years with the Ravens.

Collins played 25 games for Baltimore (22 starts) and totaled 1,384 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.

He returned to Seattle for the final two years of his career, making his last appearance during the 2021 season. Collins played for the USFL’s Memphis Showboats this year.

Collins was waived by the Ravens in March 2019 when he was arrested after a car accident in Baltimore. Police found a gun and five ounces of marijuana in the vehicle after noticing the smell.