Nick Collins

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For other people named Nick Collins, see Nick Collins (disambiguation).

Nick Collins
refer to caption
Collins in 2006
No. 36
Position:Safety
Personal information
Born: (1983-08-16) August 16, 1983 (age 40)
Cross City, Florida, U.S.
Height:5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:207 lb (94 kg)
Career information
High school:Dixie County
(Cross City, Florida)
College:Bethune–Cookman (2002–2004)
NFL draft:2005 / Round: 2 / Pick: 51
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:415
Sacks:1.0
Pass deflections:68
Interceptions:21
Forced fumbles:6
Defensive touchdowns:4
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Nicholas Cordell Collins (born August 16, 1983) is an American former professional football safety for seven seasons for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL).[1] He played college football for the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, and was selected by the Packers in the second round of the 2005 NFL draft. Collins led the league in interceptions returned for touchdowns and interception return yards in the 2008 season. In Super Bowl XLV, he intercepted Ben Roethlisberger for a touchdown as the Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 31–25.

In 2011, Collins suffered a career-ending neck injury. He was officially released by the Packers in 2012, and formally announced his retirement in 2014. Collins was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 2016.

High school

Collins was a diverse athlete during his high school career. He attended

guard and three letters as a center fielder
in baseball.

College career

He was a student athlete at Bethune–Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he played for the Bethune–Cookman Wildcats football team.

In 2002, Collins spent the majority of the season as a reserve linebacker. He played in all thirteen games of the season, making his first two starts in the final two games of the season at the strong safety position. Collins finished the season with 35 tackles (22 solo), one interception, five defended passes, one fumble recovery and eight kickoff returns for 181 yards. His strongest statistical performance of the season was an eight-tackle game in his first start, against Florida A&M University, on November 23.

Collins became a full-time starter at free safety for the Bethune–Cookman Wildcats in 2003. He started 11 of the season's 12 games, missing only a November 15 contest against Howard University. Collins had a breakout season in 2003, leading the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in interceptions with six and finished third in the conference in passes defended with 13. He also contributed 54 tackles (33 solo), a fumble recovery, and the first defensive touchdown of his college career (intercepting a pass by Norfolk State University quarterback Willie Mitchell and returning it 45 yards for the score). He was an all-conference selection for the season.

As a senior in 2004, Collins was an

Division I-AA All-America selection and first-team All-MEAC honors at the free safety position. He once again led the conference with six interceptions, led his team in solo tackles (34) and passes defended (13), and scored the second and final defensive touchdown of his collegiate career. Collins had an interception in each of the first four games of the 2004 season. He had a memorable performance in the final game of his college career, intercepting FAMU quarterback Ben Dougherty at the Bethune–Cookman 8 yard line with only 1:49 left in regulation, sending the game into overtime and to an eventual 58–52 double overtime
Bethune–Cookman victory.

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split
20-yard shuttle
 Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 11+1⁄8 in
(1.81 m) 		206 lb
(93 kg) 		31 in
(0.79 m) 		8+1⁄2 in
(0.22 m)		 4.49 s 1.64 s 2.65 s 4.16 s 6.94 s 40.0 in
(1.02 m)		 9 ft 10 in
(3.00 m)		 11 reps
All values from
NFL Combine[2][3][4]

Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers selected Collins in the second round (51st pick overall) of the 2005 NFL draft.[5] Collins would become only the second Bethune-Cookman player to make the Packers roster. Many draft analysts immediately labeled the selection a "major reach" by the Packers due to Collins third to fifth round projection.[6][7] NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. also labeled Collins a reach by the Packers and stated, "Corner Nick Collins is a good athlete but very raw and was a reach in the second round."[8]

2005

On August 2, 2005, the Green Bay Packers signed Collins to a five-year, $3.76 million contract that includes $896,100 guaranteed and a signing bonus of $361,040.[9][10]

Green Bay Packers' GM Ted Thompson drafted Collins in hopes of him eventually becoming the Packers' starting free safety after Darren Sharper vacated the role when he was granted his release and signed with the NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings.[11][12] Throughout training camp, Collins competed against Earl Little, Arturo Freeman, and Marviel Underwood for a job as a starting safety. Head coach Mike Sherman named Collins the starting free safety to start the regular season, alongside strong safety Mark Roman.[13]

He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the

Baltimore Ravens.[14] He completed his rookie season in 2005 with a career-high 84 combined tackles (63 solo), seven passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and an interception in 16 games and 16 starts.[15]

2006

On January 2, 2006, Packers' GM Ted Thompson fired head coach Mike Sherman after the Packers finished with a 4–12 record in 2005.[16] Collins entered training camp slated as the starting free safety.[17] Head coach Mike McCarthy officially named Collins the starter to begin the regular season, opposite starting strong safety Marquand Manuel.[18]

In Week 2, Collins collected a season-high eight solo tackles in a 34–27 loss to the

pick six of his career. Collins completed the 2006 season with 80 combined tackles (65 solo), ten pass deflections, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a touchdown in 16 games and 16 starts.[15]

2007

He retained his job as the starting free safety to begin 2007, alongside strong safety

New York Giants.[22] He was inactive, for the first time in his career, for three games (Weeks 11–13) after injuring his knee.[23] He finished the season with 46 combined tackles (40 solo) and five pass deflections in 13 games and 13 starts.[15]

The

New York Giants in the NFC Championship Game.[22]

2008

Head coach Mike McCarthy retained Collins and Atari Bigby as the starting safeties to start the 2008 season.

pick six of the season as well as his career.[27][28] On December 17, 2008, it was announced that Collins was voted to the 2009 Pro Bowl to mark his first Pro Bowl selection of his career.[29]
Collins ended the season with 72 combined tackles (60 solo), a career-high 15 pass deflections, career-high seven interceptions, three touchdowns, and a forced fumble in 16 games and 16 starts.
pick sixes and 295 interception return yards in 2008.[30][31]

2009

Collins was unsatisfied with his contract for the upcoming season and opted to skip organized team activities, but attended mandatory minicamp.[32] On January 5, 2009, the Green Bay Packers fired defensive coordinator Bob Sanders and five other defensive coaches. The defense failed to hold on to multiple fourth quarter leads throughout 2008 and were the main cause of the Packers finishing with a 6–10 record.[33] The Green Bay Packers' new defensive coordinator, Dom Capers, opted to retain Collins and Bigby as the starting safeties to begin 2009.[34]

On September 20, 2009, Collins recorded a season-high seven combined tackles and a pass deflection in a 31–24 loss to the

Chicago Bears in Week 14.[35] His interception extended his streak to four consecutive games with an interception.[35] On December 30, 2009, it was announced that Collins was one of three safeties to be named to the NFC roster for the 2010 Pro Bowl.[36] He completed the 2009 season with 53 combined tackles (44 solo), 13 pass deflections, six interceptions, and a sack in 16 games and 16 starts.[15]

The

Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Wildcard Game.[35]

2010

On March 4, 2010, the Green Bay Packers placed the highest possible restricted free agent tender on Collins, to ensure they would be compensated if he signed with another team. Any team that would sign Collins would be required to give a first and third round selection in return.[37] On March 9, 2010, Collins signed his one-year, $3.49 million restricted free agent tender. Collins's agent stated his client chose to immediately sign the contract as a gesture of good faith in possible negotiations for a long-term deal.[38] On March 12, 2010, the Green Bay Packers signed Collins to a four-year, $26.75 million contract that includes $14 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $4 million.[9]

Head coach Mike McCarthy named Collins the starting free safety to start the 2010 season, opposite rookie strong safety

Chicago Bears. It marked his second consecutive game with an interception.[40] He completed the 2010 season with 70 combined tackles (59 solo), 12 passes defensed, and four interceptions in 16 games and 16 starts.[15]

The

Pittsburgh Steelers to win Super Bowl XLV. He returned an interception by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for a 37-yard touchdown in the first quarter to give the Packers a 14–0 lead, and after the play, Collins was flagged for excessive celebration, awarding the Steelers an extra 15 yards following the kickoff.[42] He was ranked 96th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.[43]

2011

Collins and Burnett returned as the starting safety duo to begin the 2011 regular season. He started in the

New Orleans Saints and collected a season-high eight combined tackles during a 42–34 victory. On September 18, 2011, Collins was carted off the field on a stretcher in the fourth quarter and was immediately taken to the hospital after sustaining a neck injury while attempting to tackle Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart. Collins went in to make a routine tackle but when Stewart went to hurdle Collins he didn’t get a complete hurdle. The crown of Collins head collided with Stewart’s tailbone and Collins’ neck was compressed resulting in serious injury. He spent the night at the hospital and returned to Green Bay the next day, where it was announced that Collins would miss the remainder of the 2011 season.[44] Collins had suffered a herniated disk in his neck, and underwent single-level cervical fusion surgery.[45]

2012

On April 25, 2012, Green Bay decided to release Collins from the team citing concerns about his ability to return to football after suffering such a severe neck injury.[46] On September 28, 2012, Collins' agent, Alan Herman, announced that his neck injury would most likely end his football career.[47]

Retirement

On August 20, 2014, Collins officially announced his retirement from the NFL via Twitter.[1][48]

NFL career statistics

Legend
Won the Super Bowl
Led the league
Bold Career high

Regular season

Year Team GP Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
Cmb Solo Ast Sck FF FR Yds Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD
2005 GB 16 84 63 21 0.0 2 0 0 1 0 0.0 0 0 8
2006 GB 16 82 67 15 0.0 2 0 0 3 68 22.7 55 1 13
2007 GB 13 46 40 6 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 5
2008 GB 16 72 60 12 0.0 1 0 0 7 295 42.1 62 3 15
2009 GB 16 53 44 9 1.0 0 2 4 6 110 18.3 31 0 13
2010 GB 16 70 59 11 0.0 0 2 26 4 34 8.5 24 0 12
2011 GB 2 12 9 3 0.0 1 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1
Career[49] 95 419 342 77 1.0 6 4 0 21 507 24.1 62 4 67

Personal life

Collins and his wife Andrea live in

Daytona Beach. He has also been an instructor at a passing camp for children ages 6 to 15. He has a daughter named Jenajah, and four sons, Nicholas Jr., Nmar'e, Nash, and Nixon.[50]

He has coached high school football as a Defensive back's coach for Lake Highland Preparatory School, where he helped win them back-to-back-to-back championships in 2021[51] and 2022.[52]

His son Nicholas Jr. was an All-State defensive back as a freshman on the 2022 Lake Highland championship team and had already received an offer to play at his father's and grandfather's collegiate alma mater, Bethune-Cookman.[53]

After the 2022 high school football season, Collins returned to Bethune-Cookman to become its cornerbacks coach.[54]

Collins' father, Willie Collins, who had been a college quarterback, died of cancer in 2009. “He was my best friend," the younger Collins said of his father. "There was no pressure (from him). That’s one thing I can say about my father. He never put pressure on me. He did bring the best out of me. He always knew I was a self-directed type of kid and I wanted to do things my way. He made sure I stayed on track of my goals.”[55]

References

  1. ^ a b Imig, Paul (August 19, 2014). "Former Packers safety Nick Collins officially retires from NFL". Fox Sport Wisconsion. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
  2. ^ "2005 Draft Scout Nick Collins, Bethune-Cookman NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile". draftscout.com. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  3. ^ "Nick Collins, Combine Results, CB – Bethune-Cookman (FL)". nflcombineresults.com. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  4. ^ "Nick Collins 2005 NFL Draft Profile". insider.espn.com. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
  5. ^ "2005 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  6. ^ Huber, Bill (April 24, 2005). "Fans mixed in Packers draft". 247sports.com.
  7. ^ Macey, Ned (May 2, 2005). "2005 Report Card". footballoutsiders.com. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  8. ^ "Grading Mel Kiper's 2005 NFL Draft Grades". bottom-of-the-barrel.blogspot.com. March 23, 2012. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  9. ^ a b "Spotrac.com: Nick Collins contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  10. ^ Huber, Bill (July 27, 2005). "Packers sign second-rounder Collins". 247Sports.com. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  11. ^ Dow, Aron (September 3, 2008). "Evaluating the Green Bay Packers 2005 Draft". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  12. ^ "Collins just playing hard rookie, Nick Collins says he's not trying to replace departed free safety Darren Sharper". Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  13. ^ "2005 Team report: Green Bay Packers". footballguys.com. September 3, 2005. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  14. ^ a b c "NFL Player stats: Nick Collins (2005)". NFL.com. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  15. ^ a b c d e f "NFL Player stats: Nick Collins (career)". NFL.com. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  16. ^ "Packers' Sherman loses job after first losing season". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 2, 2006. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  17. ^ Huber, Bill (August 13, 2006). "Underwood out for season". 247Sports.com. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  18. ^ "Pro Football Reference: Green Bay Packers Roster (2006)". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  19. ^ "NFL Player stats: Nick Collins (2006)". NFL.com. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  20. ^ "Pro Football Reference: Week 17-2006: Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  21. ^ "Ourlads.com: Green Bay Packers Depth Chart: 09/02/2007". Ourlads.com. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  22. ^ a b c "NFL Player stats: Nick Collins (2007)". NFL.com. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  23. ^ Jenkins, Chris (November 28, 2007). "Taylor's death hits hard for Packers' Morency, Collins". lacrossetribune.com. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  24. ^ "Ourlads.com: Green Bay Packers Depth Chart: 08/31/2008". Ourlads.com. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  25. ^ "NFL Game Center: Week 2-2008: Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions". NFL.com. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  26. ^ "NFL Player stats: Nick Collins (2008)". NFL.com. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  27. ^ "NFL Game Center: Week 10-2008: Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings". NFL.com. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  28. ^ "Pro Football Reference: Week 10-2008: Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  29. ^ Guertin, Tatiana (December 17, 2008). "2009 Pro Bowl Roster Announced". zimbio.com. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  30. ^ Rank, Adam (February 10, 2014). "NFL players from historically black colleges". National Football League. Retrieved February 27, 2014.
  31. ^ "Pro Football Reference: Week 7-2008: Indianapolis Colts @ Green Bay Packers". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  32. ^ "Contract news". jsonline.com. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  33. ^ "Packers fire defensive coordinator". espn.com. January 5, 2009. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  34. ^ "Ourlads.com: Green Bay Packers Depth Chart: 09/06/2009". Ourlads.com. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  35. ^ a b c d e "NFL Player stats: Nick Collins (2009)". NFL.com. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  36. ^ Christl, Cliff. "Nick Collins". Packers.com. Archived from the original on May 25, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  37. ^ "Packers extend tender offers to nine players". bleacherreport.com. March 5, 2010. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  38. ^ "Collins signs his tender". jsonline.com. March 9, 2010. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  39. ^ "Ourlads.com: Green Bay Packers Depth Chart: 09/06/2010". Ourlads.com. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  40. ^ a b c d "NFL Player stats: Nick Collins (2010)". NFL.com. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  41. ^ "2011 Pro Bowl roster". ESPN.com. December 28, 2010. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  42. ^ "Super Bowl XLV – Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Green Bay Packers – February 6th, 2011". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
  43. ^ "2011 NFL Top 100". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
  44. ^ "Nick Collins of Green Bay Packers out for season with neck injury". ESPN. September 19, 2011.
  45. ^ "Packers release safety Nick Collins".
  46. ^ "Packers release S Collins". Packers.com. April 25, 2012. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  47. ^ Hanzus, Dan (September 28, 2012). "Agent: Neck injury will likely end Nick Collins' career". NFL.com. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  48. ^ "Nick Collins retirement". twitter.com. August 20, 2014. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
  49. ^ "Nick Collins Stats". ESPN. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved December 23, 2014.
  50. ^ "Nick Collins' promising career was cut short".
  51. ^ "SSAC 11-Man Football Championship | MaxPreps".
  52. ^ "2022 SSAC State Championship | MaxPreps".
  53. ^ "Nicholas Collins Jr. tweet". Twitter.com.
  54. ^ "Coach Nick Collins".
  55. ^ "ICYMI: Collins' Father Inspired His Hall of Fame Career".

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Nick Collins.
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