Remembering Alex Collins

He’s had his final dance.

Former Ravens running back Alex Collins passed away on Monday, August 14, at the age of 28, and his name alone brings back fond memories of quick feet, a massive game against the hated Steelers and an Irish dance of celebration that made him a fan favorite.

Collins earned a spotlight during the 2017 season when he rushed for 973 yards and six touchdowns with only 12 starts — including that aforementioned performance against Pittsburgh, when he amassed 120 yards and a score on 18 carries. His relentless style, big smile and study of Irish dancing made that light shine a little brighter. He struggled a bit with injuries the next year, and lost his grip on the lead-back role when Lamar Jackson and Gus Edwards arrived and began a new era in Ravens football.

But he’ll always be appreciated here, won’t he?

Ravens fans love personalities, and especially love big personalities who play big on the field in big moments. Collins fit that bill. He played like a Raven. He had fun. He was one of “our guys,” if only for a brief time.

Collins’ time was too short, on the field and in life. He won’t be one of those old men who pop up at stadiums every year to share stories and accept adulations. He won’t be that bow-legged former player who talks with youth players about working hard and listening to their coaches. He won’t be… well, he won’t be any number of things that we all want to be as we journey through different eras of life.

Alex Collins, gone too soon.

And we can only send our most sincere thoughts and prayers to the people in his life who are feeling this the worst. Here’s to hoping 34 is dancing in the end zone one last time.