Former Patriots linebacker gives his final curtain call

Jamie Collins, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, has announced his retirement from the NFL. Overall, Collins played ten seasons in the NFL, including three separate stints with the Patriots.

The Patriots selected the linebacker in the second round (52nd overall) in the 2013 NFL draft out of Southern Mississippi. After a quiet rookie season, Collins immediately broke out in his second year in the NFL. He instantly became a leader on the field. Collins had a career-high 115 total tackles (74 solo), four sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, three passes defended and two interceptions. He was just about everywhere on the field.

He followed up an impressive second season by being named to the Second-Team All-Pro list and receiving Pro Bowl honors. Things were looking up for Collins and his career in New England until he was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2016. But, eventually, Collins would find his way back to New England.

In 2019, Collins returned to New England for his second stint with the team. Collins picked up right where he left off in New England. Again, he became a defensive weapon for the Patriots.

In his return to New England, Collins tallied 81 total tackles, seven sacks, seven passes defended, three forced fumbles, three interceptions with 85 return yards and one touchdown. However, his second stint would only last one season as Collins agreed to a three-year, 30 million contract with the Detroit Lions in the offseason.

But, his time in Detroit was short-lived as Collins, once again like a boomerang, returned to New England. However, this time, Collins wasn't as prolific as he was in his first two stints with the Patriots. Collins most notably had 20 total tackles and one sack with one interception. His time in New England ended in 2022 after he signed a practice squad contract, which expired on January 8, 2023.

At the end of his time in New England, Collins had a total of 330 tackles (209 solo, 142 assisted), 18.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, 26 passes defended, nine interceptions for 168 return yards and one touchdown. He did all of this in 79 games with 59 starts while wearing a Patriots uniform.