Austin Collie
A wide receiver whose promising NFL career was dramatically altered by a series of severe concussions.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American football player·Birthday: November 11·Millennials
Biography
Austin Collie's football narrative is a compelling study of brilliant flashes of potential interrupted by injury. The Canadian-born receiver emerged from a standout career at Brigham Young University, where his precise route-running and reliable hands made him a favorite target. Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2009, he quickly became a trusted weapon for quarterback Peyton Manning, showcasing a knack for crucial catches in high-stakes games. However, his trajectory was brutally reshaped by multiple concussions suffered on the field, the most severe of which left him motionless in a 2010 game. These injuries defined the latter part of his career, leading to stints with other teams and a premature conclusion to his time in the sport, making him a central figure in discussions about player safety.
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.
Austin was born in 1985, 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 Austin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Austin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
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
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Caught 172 passes for 1,845 yards and 16 touchdowns over five NFL seasons.
- Recorded a career-high 8 receptions for 171 yards in a 2010 playoff game against the New York Jets.
- Played a key role in the Indianapolis Colts' offense during their 2009 AFC Championship season.
Did You Know?
He was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, but played for the United States internationally.
His father, Scott Collie, also played in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins.
He served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Argentina before college.
“You can only control your preparation and your effort on the field.”
