Nick Collins facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Nick Collins

Collins in 2006
No. 36
Position:	Safety
Personal information
Born:	(1983-08-16) August 16, 1983 (age 41) 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)
College:	Bethune–Cookman (2002–2004)
NFL Draft:	2005 / Round: 2 / Pick: 51
Career history
Green Bay Packers (2005–2011)
Career highlights and awards
Super Bowl champion (XLV) 3× Second-team All-Pro (2008–2010) 3× Pro Bowl (2008–2010) PFWA All-Rookie Team (2005) Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 415 Sacks: 1.0 Forced fumbles: 6 Pass deflections: 68 Interceptions: 21 Defensive touchdowns: 4
Player stats at PFR

Nicholas Cordell Collins (born August 16, 1983) is a former American football player. He was a safety for seven seasons. Nick played for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League (NFL).

He played college football for the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats. The Packers chose him in the second round of the 2005 NFL draft. In 2008, Collins led the league in interceptions returned for touchdowns. He also led in interception return yards.

In Super Bowl XLV, he made a touchdown by intercepting a pass. This helped the Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31–25. In 2011, Nick suffered a serious neck injury. This injury ended his playing career. He officially retired in 2014. In 2016, Collins was honored in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Sports

Nick Collins was a talented athlete in high school. He went to Dixie County High School in Cross City, Florida. He played many positions in football. These included quarterback, running back, and defensive back.

He was named his team's MVP as a senior. Nick also played basketball as a guard. He played baseball as a center fielder.

College Football Journey

Nick attended Bethune–Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida. He played for the Bethune–Cookman Wildcats football team.

In 2002, he mostly played as a reserve linebacker. He started his first two games at strong safety. He finished the season with 35 tackles and one interception.

In 2003, Collins became a full-time starter at free safety. He had a great season. He led his conference in interceptions with six. He was also third in passes defended. He even scored his first college defensive touchdown. This earned him an all-conference selection.

As a senior in 2004, he was named an All-America selection. He again led his conference with six interceptions. He made a memorable play in his last college game. He intercepted a pass in double overtime. This helped Bethune-Cookman win a thrilling game.

Professional Career Highlights

The Green Bay Packers picked Nick Collins in the second round of the 2005 NFL draft. He was the second Bethune-Cookman player to join the Packers. Some experts thought he was picked too early.

In August 2005, Collins signed a five-year contract. He quickly became the starting free safety for the Packers.

First Season in the NFL (2005)

Nick made his NFL debut in the 2005 season opener. In Week 11, he got his first career interception. It was against quarterback Daunte Culpepper. He finished his rookie season with 84 tackles. He started all 16 games.

Making Big Plays (2006)

In 2006, Nick continued as the starting free safety. In Week 17, he made two interceptions. He also scored his first NFL touchdown. He returned an interception 55 yards for a "pick six." This means he intercepted the ball and ran it into the end zone.

Playoff Experience (2007)

Collins kept his starting job in 2007. He missed a few games due to a knee injury. The Packers had a great season, finishing 13–3. They made it to the NFC Championship Game. Nick played in his first playoff games.

Leading the League (2008)

The 2008 season was a standout year for Nick. He scored three "pick six" touchdowns. He led the entire league in this category. He also led the league in interception return yards.

He was chosen for his first Pro Bowl team. This is a big honor for NFL players. He finished the season with seven interceptions.

More Pro Bowl Selections (2009-2010)

In 2009, Nick was chosen for his second Pro Bowl. He had a streak of four straight games with an interception. He continued to be a key player for the Packers defense.

Before the 2010 season, Collins signed a new four-year contract. He was named a starter again. He earned his third straight Pro Bowl selection.

Super Bowl Champion (2010)

The Packers had a strong 2010 season. They made it to Super Bowl XLV. In the Super Bowl, Nick made a huge play. He intercepted a pass from Ben Roethlisberger. He returned it 37 yards for a touchdown. This helped the Packers win the Super Bowl!

Career-Ending Injury and Retirement

In 2011, Nick Collins suffered a serious neck injury. This happened during a game against the New Orleans Saints. He was trying to make a tackle. The injury was very severe. It meant he would miss the rest of the 2011 season.

In April 2012, the Packers released Collins. This was due to concerns about his injury. His agent later announced that the injury would likely end his career. On August 20, 2014, Nick Collins officially announced his retirement from the NFL.

Life After Football

Nick Collins and his wife Andrea live in Orlando, Florida. He has a daughter, Jenajah, and four sons: Nicholas Jr., Nmar'e, Nash, and Nixon.

While in college, Nick volunteered at elementary schools. He also helped at the YMCA. He has taught football to children.

He has coached high school football as a Defensive back's coach. He helped his team win championships in 2021 and 2022. His son, Nicholas Jr., is also a talented defensive back. He has received a college offer to play at Bethune-Cookman.

After the 2022 high school season, Collins returned to Bethune-Cookman. He became the cornerbacks coach there. Nick's father, Willie Collins, was a college quarterback. He passed away in 2009. Nick said his father was his best friend and always brought out the best in him.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular season