Former New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins has announced his retirement from the NFL after a successful 10-season career. Speaking with ESPN, Collins expressed his gratitude for fulfilling his lifelong dream and stated that it was time for him to relax and spend quality time with his family.
Collins, now 33 years old, had three separate tenures with the Patriots, starting when he was drafted in the second round in 2013. He was an integral part of the team during their Super Bowl victories in 2014 and 2016. However, during the 2016 season, he was traded to the Cleveland Browns. After playing in Cleveland until the end of the 2018 season, he returned to the Patriots as a free agent in 2019. In 2020, Collins signed with the Detroit Lions, but he ultimately ended up back in New England for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Throughout his career, Collins played in 125 regular-season games, starting in 105 of them. He recorded an impressive tally of 708 tackles, 26.5 sacks, 12 interceptions, and 19 forced fumbles. In the postseason, he appeared in nine games, starting in seven of them, and accumulated 55 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions. Collins was widely admired for his exceptional athleticism, which even allowed him to leap over a long snapper to block a point-after-attempt in the 2015 season. The NFL, however, later banned this technique due to safety concerns.
Looking ahead, Collins plans to delve into coaching since he cannot completely detach himself from football. He expressed his love for the game and his desire to pass on his knowledge to others. For now, he is enjoying his time with his wife Katrina and their three sons, Jamie Jr., Jackson, and Jakobi. Taking care of his active children, Collins mentioned that they keep him on his toes and maintain his fitness.
Collins’ retirement marks the end of an era for the former Patriots linebacker, who leaves behind a remarkable legacy. With his dedication and passion for football, Collins will undoubtedly bring his wealth of experience to the field of coaching, ensuring that his love for the game continues to thrive.
