La'el Collins facts for kids
Collins with the Dallas Cowboys in 2017
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| Position: | Offensive tackle | ||||
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| Personal information | |||||
| Born: | July 26, 1993 Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | ||||
| Weight: | 315 lb (143 kg) | ||||
| Career information | |||||
| High school: | Redemptorist (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) |
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| College: | LSU (2011–2014) | ||||
| Undrafted: | 2015 | ||||
| Career history | |||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||
La'el Collins (born July 26, 1993) is an American professional football player. He plays as an offensive tackle. He played college football at LSU. In 2014, he won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy. This award is given to the best offensive lineman in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Collins later joined the Dallas Cowboys in 2015.
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Early Life and High School Football
La'el Collins grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He went to Redemptorist High School. During his last three years there, he was named to the Louisiana 3A All-State team. He helped his team reach the state quarterfinals in his senior year.
After high school, Collins was considered a top player. Many experts thought he was one of the best offensive tackle prospects in 2011. He received offers from many major college football programs. In September 2009, he chose to play for Louisiana State University (LSU).
College Football Career
Starting at LSU
In 2011, Collins played in seven games for LSU as a freshman. He was recognized as a Freshman All-American. In his second year, 2012, Collins became a starter. He played in all 13 games as a left guard. He led his team in total plays and "knockdown blocks." He was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week after a strong game against Alabama.
Moving to Left Tackle
For his junior season, Collins moved to left tackle. He quickly adjusted to his new role. He earned SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors again. He started 12 games at left tackle that season. LSU's offense had a record-breaking year, gaining 465.9 total yards per game.
Collins decided to stay at LSU for his senior year instead of entering the 2014 NFL draft. In 2014, he started all 13 games at left tackle. He led the team in offensive plays and knockdown blocks. After the season, he won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy. He was also named First-team All-SEC. Both USA Today and the Associated Press named him second-team All-American.
Professional Football Career
Joining the NFL
Before the 2015 NFL draft, Collins was expected to be a high draft pick. However, due to some personal matters, he was not drafted by any team. On May 7, 2015, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent. His contract was guaranteed for three years.
Dallas Cowboys (First Time)
Collins started his first season as a reserve player. He soon became a starter at left guard. He played well and earned his spot on the team.
In 2016, he started the season at left guard. However, he suffered a toe injury in the third game. He was placed on injured reserve and missed most of the season.
In 2017, Collins moved to right tackle, his college position. He became the starter and played all 16 games. He signed a contract extension with the Cowboys.
In 2018, he continued to start all 16 games at right tackle. He helped the Cowboys' offense succeed. Quarterback Dak Prescott threw for over 4,000 yards, and running back Ezekiel Elliott led the league in rushing yards.
In 2019, Collins signed another contract extension. He started 15 games at right tackle. He missed one game due to a knee injury. The offensive line was very strong, allowing few sacks.
In 2020, Collins dealt with injuries and was placed on injured reserve. He missed the entire season.
In 2021, Collins started the season at right tackle. He later missed some games due to a league rule violation. When he returned, he worked to regain his starting position. He started 10 of the 12 games he played that season. In one game, he was involved in a disagreement on the field. In March 2022, the Cowboys allowed Collins to look for a new team. He was then released.
Cincinnati Bengals
On March 20, 2022, Collins signed a three-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. He reunited with his former offensive line coach. He dealt with a back injury during the season. In a game against the New England Patriots, he suffered a serious knee injury. This injury ended his season. He started 15 games at right tackle for the Bengals.
Collins was placed on a special list for injured players at the start of the 2023 season. He was released by the Bengals on September 12, 2023.
Dallas Cowboys (Second Time)
On January 2, 2024, Collins was signed to the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad. His contract ended when the team's season finished on January 14, 2024.
Buffalo Bills
On April 9, 2024, Collins signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills. He was released by the team on August 27, 2024, as part of their final roster cuts.
