Ryan Collins

Ryan Albert Collins (born November 1, 1975) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL), the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe, and the New York/New Jersey Hitmen of the XFL. He played college football for the St. Thomas Tommies.

Early life Collins was born November 1, 1975, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Albert and Barbara Collins. He was cut by the Browns on September 27, 1999.

Baltimore Ravens On October 12, 1999, Collins was signed to the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad. On December 3, amid a series of injuries to the Ravens' tight ends, This was the Ravens' first shutout win in franchise history. However, during the third quarter of the game, Collins fractured his left ankle and was removed from the game.

New York/New Jersey Hitmen On October 30, 2000, Collins was selected with the 282nd pick of the 2001 XFL draft by the New York/New Jersey Hitmen. He played in all 10 games with the Hitmen and recorded three receptions for 38 yards. He started all 10 games of the 2002 season, making 34 catches for a total of 280 yards and two touchdowns. He was named to the 2002 all-NFL Europe team.

Kansas City Chiefs Shortly after the end of the 2002 NFL Europe season, on June 27, 2002, Collins was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs. At the time, the Chiefs were stuck in a contract stalemate with tight end Tony Gonzalez. The Chiefs released Collins on September 2, 2002.