Nick Collins

Team Number:	36
Birth Date:	12/31/1969
Height:	5'11"
Weight:	200lbs.
Position:	Secondary

More Info
Nick Collins was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 2005 draft, with the 51st pick overall. He started all 16 games his rookie season at free safety, wearing the number 36 jersey made famous by fan favorite LeRoy Butler. Entering the 2005 draft as a prospective cornerback, Collins was transitioned to free safety during Packers training camp and impressed coaches with his athleticism and emotion. Following the 2005 season he was named to the Pro Football Weekly All-Rookie Team.

Collins followed his breakout rookie season with an equally impressive second year, again starting every regular season game at free safety and playing cornerback periodically in the Packers’ dime defensive package. Collins capped the 2006 season in memorable fashion, returning an interception 55 yards for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears on New Year’s Eve, the first touchdown of his career.

Collins attended college at Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida, not far from his hometown of Cross City. At Bethune-Cookman, he started every game his junior and senior seasons, leading the conference in interceptions both years and earning All-Conference honors. He majored in recreation.

Collins has a one year old daughter and enjoys bowling, fishing, and movies. He has volunteered his time at a number of community events, including youth football camps.

Collins had a stellar year in 2008. He had 72 tackles, and seven interceptions. He returned three for touchdowns. These numbers are better than the 2006 season, in which he made 80 tackles and intercepted three. He was named a Pro Bowl starter and was the first safety for the team since 2002. He started at every game of the season at free safety. At the Detroit game Collins made his second touchdown of his career by intercepting Jon Kitna at the end of the second half. At the Seattle game, he posted a team high of 10 tackles and forced a fumble from RB Julius Jones in the third quarter.

Nick Collins was so admired by LeRoy Butler had no problem with his wearing of the number 36. He won rookie of the year honors and proved that he was worthy of the jersey.

In game number two of the 2009 season, Nick suffered a chest injury. As durable as Nick Collins may be, this injury helped to hand the Packers their first loss of the year.