Tony Collins is a former American football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for several years. He was born on August 19, 1962, in Frankfort, Kentucky, and attended East Carolina University, where he played college football.
Collins was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a versatile and dynamic player, capable of running, catching, and returning kicks. In his rookie season, he rushed for 381 yards and caught 29 passes for 281 yards, earning him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team.
Over the next few seasons, Collins continued to be a key player for the Patriots. He had his best season in 1983, when he rushed for 1,049 yards and caught 49 passes for 462 yards, earning him a spot in the Pro Bowl. He also set a Patriots record by scoring 12 touchdowns that season.
However, Collins' career was cut short by injuries. He suffered a broken leg in 1985 and missed most of the season. He returned in 1986 but suffered another injury that limited his playing time. He was released by the Patriots in 1988 and signed with the Miami Dolphins, but he only played in two games before being released again.
Despite his relatively short career, Collins left a lasting impact on the NFL. He was known for his speed, agility, and ability to make defenders miss. He was also a skilled receiver out of the backfield and a dangerous kick returner. In total, he rushed for 2,356 yards and caught 166 passes for 1,559 yards in his NFL career.
After retiring from football, Collins struggled with addiction and legal troubles. He was arrested several times for drug-related offenses and spent time in prison. However, he eventually turned his life around and became a motivational speaker, sharing his story of addiction and recovery with others.
Today, Collins is a successful businessman and author. He owns a construction company and has written several books, including "Broken Road: Turning My Mess Into a Message" and "The Dark Side of the Game: My Life in the NFL." He also continues to speak to groups about his experiences and the importance of making positive choices in life.
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