Aviante Collins

Revealing the fascinating journey of Aviante Collins, an accomplished and powerful force in the world of American professional football. Born on April 21, 1993, Collins wields the dynamic role of offensive tackle, as a renowned free agent. The account of his athleticism spans back to his younger years in school and continues to outshine in the NFL.

Genesis of his Sports Chapter

Collins made Willowridge High School in Houston, Texas, a playground to his passionate pursuits of football and track and field. He not only claimed the position of a three-year letterman in football but also held the baton of a four-year letterwinner in track and field. His teamwork and sheer determination were evident when he emerged third in the shot put event at the Class 5A state championships, during his freshman and sophomore years, and secured fourth position in his final year. The sterling mark of 59’1/2″, which remains his personal record, bagged him the regional championship in the shot put event during his senior year.

Ascent and Recognition in College Athletics

Marking a significant milestone in his career, Collins was honored as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, and he earned recognition as the No. 175 recruit in Texas and No. 91 offensive tackle overall in the nation. Originally committed to Houston, he decided to switch his course to play college football at Texas Christian University (TCU), choosing it over scholarship offers from Houston Cougars and Arizona State.

Stepping into the World of College Football

Bolstered by a football scholarship from TCU, Collins made his grand entry into the world of college football as a true freshman in 2012. Exhibiting a rare determination and resilience, he commenced the season at left tackle but eventually moved to right tackle. Collins managed to begin his sophomore year on a high, starting nine encounters, and playing as a right tackle for the latter part of the season.

In subsequent years, Collins tasted both highs and lows. The junior year of 2014 saw him appear in 8 fixtures, succumbing to the depth chart of Tayo Fabuluje and getting positioned behind Joseph Noteboom as the right tackle. Unfavorably in 2015, a leg injury during a game against Southern Methodist University led to a medical redshirt. However, he bounced back the next year, starting every game and concluding his senior year on a promising note. His college journey had him participate in 49 games with 36 starts, aside from practicing track and field.

Shattering Records and the NFL Combine

With an impressive stride, Collins surpassed previous records at the 2017 NFL Combine. His outstanding 4.81-second 40-yard dash etched him as the third-fastest offensive lineman in history. His capability was also manifested when he bench pressed 225 pounds, 34 times — a record that stands second-best among all Combine participants.

Collins’ Professional Football Career

Embracing his NFL career, Collins was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Minnesota Vikings on May 1, 2017. Collins served as the third string right tackle and played three games in his rookie year. His journey was not without hurdles; he suffered a torn biceps in 2018 and was put on injured reserve.

In 2019, a leg injury during training camp restrained his performance. He was waived by the Vikings but was quickly signed back to the practice squadron. He was promoted back onto the active roster in November 2019 and started the season finale against the Chicago Bears.

After being waived and signed back to the Vikings’ practice squad a few times, Collins signed a reserve/futures contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in February 2021. However, he was waived in August the same year and was signed to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad in September. The Cowboys decided to sign him for a reserve/future contract on January 18, 2022.

A Reign of Improvisations

Collins experienced a series of waivers and elevations to active practice squads during his tenure with the Cowboys in 2022. He was then signed by the Chicago Bears in July 2023, only to be released and then re-signed to their practice squad. He played one game as a backup offensive tackle during his brief period with the Bears.

Legacy of Athleticism

Athletic prowess runs deep in Collins’ family. His father, Bill Collins, a distinguished sprinter at TCU, won Southwest Conference titles in the 100 meters in 1974 and 1975. He was bestowed with the honor of being inducted into the TCU Letterwinners Association Hall of Fame, while his mother, Robin Stephens, was an All-American honoree at the University of Houston in 1984.

Through the challenging and inspiring journey of Aviante Collins, one can perceive the essence of resilience, determination, and talent triumphant over ordeals, reinforcing the belief that with consistent effort, dreams can transition into reality.