The Memphis Showboats kicked off Week 2 action in the United Football League with a solemn yet respectful tribute to former Baltimore Ravens running back Alex Collins.
Collins was stationed with the Showboats, then of the United States Football League, when he passed away from injuries sustained in a traffic collision at the age of 28 last August. Prior to his spring career, Collins spent two seasons with the Ravens
The Showboats, now part of the UFL as part of a merger with the XFL, played their first game in Memphis since Collins’ passing on Saturday, opening a five-game home slate at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium against the San Antonio Brahmas. Collins’ brother DeQuan was on hand and accepted a gift of the Showboats jersey Alex would’ve worn this season.
In three USFL appearances last year, Collins picked up 98 yards and one passing touchdown.
In NFL lore, Collins is best known for his unexpected rise to the top of the Ravens’ rushing depth chart in 2017, when he amassed 1,160 total yards and six rushing scores. He followed that up with seven more touchdowns in 2018 but injures sustained after a move back to his original NFL employers in Seattle prevented him from making any further headway. He later joined the Showboats, who were led by former Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley last season.
Memphis was unable to continue its perfect start on Saturday, as it lost a late two-possession lead and fell to the Brahmas by a 20-19 final.
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