The Green Bay Packers have released S Nick Collins. The transaction was announced Wednesday by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson.

Collins, who was selected by the Packers with the first of two second-round selections (No. 51 overall) in the 2005 NFL Draft, went on to appear in 95 games (all starts) at free safety during his seven-year career in Green Bay. During that time, he amassed 498 tackles (388 solo), 21 interceptions, including four returned for touchdowns, 83 passes defensed, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

From 2008-10, Collins ranked second among all NFL players with 439 interception return yards and was tied for second among safeties with 17 INTs over that span. In 2008, he set a franchise record with 295 INT return yards and became the first NFL safety since 1986 to return three INTs for TDs in a season. In 2010, Collins became the first Packers safety since LeRoy Butler to earn a bid to three consecutive Pro Bowls, and capped his season with a 37-yard INT return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLV. He missed just three games in his first six seasons in the league, but was sidelined for the final 14 contests of 2011 after suffering a season-ending neck injury at Carolina in Week 2.

“From the beginning of this process, we have taken our time and sought numerous medical opinions while maintaining consistent dialogue with Nick,” Thompson said. “In the end, we were not comfortable clearing him to play again. As with all of our players, Nick is a member of our family and we thought of him that way as we came to this conclusion.

“Nick is a part of our core, and this is a very difficult day for all Packers. Making this kind of decision is never easy, especially when it involves someone like Nick Collins. He has meant so much to the community, his teammates and the organization. He is a good man and will always be part of the Packers family.”

Packers.com  wrote:

IMO, as I have stated a number of times, this is the right decision for the Packers and hopefully Nick agrees with that opinion. As much as the game means to some, the lifetime after the game is done is just as valuable as the game itself. The neck, back and spinal cord are nothing to mess with.. error on the side of caution.

I wish nothing but the best of luck to Nick.. whether it is with the Packers in person or spirit moving forward.


On the timing... both Clifton and Collins future being decided before the draft has me thinking that the Packers are gearing up for taking on additional salary.. IE draft day trades for a veteran or two that become available on draft day. Or at the very least having the cap space to afford them the flexibility of doing such.

With the Rookie cap in place, it afford teams to move around and be creative with draft picks knowing the salary risks have been decreased. Being the first year all the CBA rules are known going into the draft, I expect a few more players to be included in draft day trades this year.. and maybe the Packers are preparing themselves to have the flexibility to cease any deals in the heat of the moment.

Just a thought.

Originally Posted by: Pack93z 

It's sad because Nick was such a joy to watch. Were it not for the injury, he could have quite possibly carved out a Hall of Fame career. What a ballhawk. What incredible speed and range for a safety.

But at the end of the day, you just want him to be healthy. I'm sure most of us are on the same page: we'll miss Nick Collins the player, but will rest assured that his long term health isn't in jeopardy.

Originally Posted by: evad04