Landon Collins

Landon Alexander Collins was born on January 10, 1994, in New Orleans, Louisiana. His early life was marked by his family’s relocation to Geismar, Louisiana, following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Collins excelled in both football and track at Dutchtown High School, earning All-American honors as a defensive back and achieving notable success as a sprinter. He led his high school team to consecutive undefeated regular seasons and district titles, demonstrating his athletic capabilities early on. He committed to play college football at the University of Alabama, a decision that generated considerable media attention due to his mother’s preference for Louisiana State.

Collins played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide from 2012 to 2014, where he became part of the team that secured the 2013 BCS National Championship Game. Initially a backup and special teams contributor as a true freshman, he quickly transitioned into a starting safety role during his sophomore year, recording 70 tackles and two interceptions. In his junior year, he led the team with 98 tackles and earned unanimous All-American honors, reinforcing his status as a top collegiate player. Following his junior season, Collins declared for the 2015 NFL Draft, a decision influenced by the NFL Draft Advisory Board’s projection of him as a potential first-round pick.

Selected by the New York Giants in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft, Collins made an immediate impact, starting all 16 games of his rookie season and earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. His career progressed significantly in 2016 when he shifted back to his natural strong safety position. That year, he recorded 125 combined tackles, four sacks, 13 pass deflections, five interceptions, and a touchdown, becoming the only NFL player in history to achieve over 100 solo tackles, more than two sacks, at least five interceptions, and a minimum of 12 pass deflections in a single season. This performance earned him First-team All-Pro honors and his first Pro Bowl selection. He continued to be a productive player, earning two more Pro Bowl selections in 2017 and 2018. In 2019, he signed a six-year, $84 million contract with the Washington Redskins (later Washington Football Team), where he played until 2021, and then rejoined the New York Giants for a second stint in 2022.