Collins was a two-sport letterman at Mission Viejo High School in Mission Viejo, California. One of his teammates on both the football and basketball teams was future NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez. He was recruited to Washington State as a linebacker but played primarily at tight end, setting a school record in 2007 for most catches by a tight end.
Professional career
Collins was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent following the 2008 NFL Draft. He was waived during final cuts, but was re-signed to the team's practice squad on September 3, 2008. He was released from the practice squad on October 21. Collins was signed to the Chicago Bears' practice squad on October 28, 2008, but was released on November 24. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns on November 26, 2008, and was a member of the active roster for two games before he was waived and re-signed to the team's practice squad on December 11. He was not re-signed by the Browns following the 2008 season. Collins was signed to a two-year contract by the Kansas City Chiefs on January 8, 2009, but was waived during final cuts on September 4. He was signed to the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad on November 4, but was released on November 24. He was re-signed to the Browns' practice squad on December 2, and was re-signed after the conclusion of the 2009 season on January 7, 2010. He was waived by the Browns prior to the start of training camp on June 15. He would sign with the Tennessee Titans on August 6, 2010, but was waived during final cuts on September 4. Collins signed with the New Orleans Saints' practice squad on September 23, 2010. The Saints at the time, were the defending Super Bowl champions. After spending the entire 2010 season on their practice squad, starting fullback Heath Evans retired, and Collins became the Saints' starter. In his first season as a starter, the Saints' yards-per-carry average went from 22nd in the NFL in 2010 to fourth in the league in 2011, and Collins would be rated by as the second best fullback that season. He also served as the Saints' backup long snapper behind Justin Drescher. On March 19, 2014 Collins signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions, where his offensive coordinator was former Saints coach Joe Lombardi. On March 12, 2015, Collins signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys. Collins was cut on May 18 so the Cowboys could re-acquire fullback Tyler Clutts.
