Alex Collins (American football)
A powerful running back whose determined, physical style on the field and joyful Irish dancing off it left a lasting impression.
1994–2023 (age 29)·American football player·Birthday: August 26·Millennials
Biography
Alex Collins ran with a distinctive, low-to-the-ground power that made him a formidable presence in any backfield. Born in Florida, he became a college football sensation at the University of Arkansas, rushing for over 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons—a feat matched only by legends like Darren McFadden at the school. Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks, his professional journey saw flashes of brilliance, including a 1,000-yard rushing season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2017 where he scored a career-high six touchdowns. Collins was beloved by teammates and fans not just for his toughness between the lines, but for his vibrant personality, most famously displayed in his touchdown celebrations where he would break into Irish dance. His tragic passing in 2023 cut short a life and career marked by both grit and genuine joy.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Alex was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alex Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Alex's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2023Died at 29
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
Key Achievements
- Rushed for 1,000 yards in three straight seasons at the University of Arkansas (2013-2015).
- Recorded 973 rushing yards and a career-high 6 touchdowns for the Baltimore Ravens in the 2017 NFL season.
- Finished his college career as the third-leading rusher in Arkansas Razorbacks history.
- Scored his first NFL touchdown on a 26-yard run for the Seattle Seahawks in 2016.
Did You Know?
He was a champion Irish dancer as a child and frequently incorporated it into his NFL touchdown celebrations.
He wore green cleats with shamrocks on them during games in honor of his Irish dancing heritage.
In high school, he rushed for over 2,000 yards in his senior season at South Plantation High in Florida.
“My running style is simple: keep your legs driving and never go down easy.”
