The Journal-Sentinel reports that the Green Bay Packers will release Nick Collins. It's really a sad day for all involved. The Packers will save some salary cap room, but I think GM Ted Thompson would rather pay him and have a Pro Bowl caliber safety. And I understand why they decided to release him. What would happen if he took another awkward hit to the neck? Would he be paralyzed? I really don't want to find out.
It's also a sad day for Collins because he wants to return. It's too bad that it came down to this, and neither Collins or the Packers can know for sure whether he shouldn't play again, but it's the safe decision. And I'd do the same thing if the choice was mine.
In his far too short career with the Packers, Collins became one of the team's best players. He was named the starter during his rookie season in 2005, and he never let go of the job. His first three seasons were on a learning curve. He was good enough to start, but not much of a play maker. However, he broke out in 2008 and made the Pro Bowl in his last three full-seasons (2008 to 2010). He's a great athlete who did everything he could to make himself better, and it's terrible that his time with the Packers has to end this way. Unfortunately it's a violent game, and this is one of those reminders.
2 comments:
I agree completely. Unfortunate but the right move. Very good article by the way.
A sad day, indeed, for Mr. Collins, AND for the Packers and their fans.
I wish him nothing but the absolute best for the rest of his life.
IMO, he should definately go into the Packers Hall Of Fame, despite the shortness of his career.
Talk about his learning curve, I remember how maddening it was, in fis first three seasons, how he used to keep dropping passes that were right in his hands, or right in his breadbasket.
But, on the other hand, he kept getting himself into position for those passes to be in those places.
Certainly gonna miss him.
And, God bless him.
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