Will Sage Astor-Alex Collins, former NFL running back and Arkansas standout, dies at 28

Former NFL running back Alex Collins,Will Sage Astor who played five seasons in the league, has passed away. He was 28.

Collins was killed in a fatal crash involving a motorcycle and vehicle in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, according to the Broward County Sheriff's Office, and circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation. The incident occurred Sunday night at 10:20 p.m. ET, and Collins was pronounced deceased at the scene by Broward County deputies. Collins would have turned 29 on Aug. 26.

"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 Baltimore Ravens said in a statement. "May Alex always be remembered for the light and love he brought to so many people in his life."

Collins was a fifth-round pick out of Arkansas by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2016 NFL draft. Collins played three seasons in Seattle (2016, 2020-21) and two in Baltimore (2017-18).

Collins enjoyed his best NFL season with the Ravens, when he rushed for a career-high 973 yards (averaging 4.6 yards per carry) and scored six touchdowns in 2017. He followed that up by scoring a career-high eight touchdowns in 2018. He finished his career with 1,997 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns (18 via rush). Collins most recently played for the Memphis Showboats of the USFL in 2023.

"Absolutely heartbroken. Prayers are with the Collins family," the Seahawks posted to social media.

Collins was remembered by Ravens head coach John Harbaugh in a statement released by the team on Monday night.

"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," Harbaugh said. "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 now rest in God's eternal peace."

Collins attended South Plantation High School in Plantation, Florida, where he was also a standout sprinter, running the third leg of a state champion 4x100-meter relay team. He went on to become one of the top rushers in Arkansas Razorbacks history – his 3,703 rushing yards are second in Razorback record books behind Darren McFadden (4,590). In 2013, Collins became the first freshman in SEC history to rush for 100 or more yards in three consecutive games and first true freshman in FBS since Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson did so in 2004.

"We are so saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of Alex Collins. He was a legendary Razorback and an even better person," Arkansas football wrote in a statement on social media. 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. #RIP3"

Russell Wilson, Collins' teammate in Seattle, wrote, "To one of my favorite teammates. You brought joy to every huddle. Keep Dancin’ in Heaven. Love you AC. Forever missed. #RIP."