Alabama Football: Landon Collins on a mission to become best NFL safety

Being a star for Alabama football can lead to the massive riches and fame of the National Football League. Former LSU star receiver acknowledges that the path indeed is paved in gold for Tide players.

Drafted by the Giants with the first pick in the second round, Alabama football safety Landon Collins determination to make the teams that passed on him suffer has turned out well.

After declaring early for the NFL draft, the NFL advisory board assured him as a surefire first-round pick after leading the Crimson Tide in tackles from his safety position. The memorable Thursday night ended with all 32 teams passing on him.

Displaying a gigantic chip on his shoulder, Landon set out to prove he was ready. Moved to free safety, Collins was a natural tallying 112 tackles and one interception.

The following season, Landon exploded with a breakout season. The Giants drafted free safety Darian Thompson allowing Collins to revert to his natural position, strong safety. His strong play led to NFC player of the month for December. After racking up 125 tackles with five interceptions, Landon’s meteoric rise demonstrated the enormous potential of the former Crimson Tide player.

Further accolades received during the 2016 season included being named to first-team All-Pro, first Pro Bowl and recognized as the 28th best player in the NFL by his peers. His stellar play led to him becoming a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year.

Landon made his second Pro Bowl last season but did not participate after fracturing his forearm in Week 16.

Entering his fourth season, Collins’ mission this season is to provide leadership in a locker room coming off a 3-13 season. Landon’s focus is becoming a commanding voice in the locker room plus someone that younger players can lean on.

The results have shown early this summer that the transformation is in process. The young phenomenal, talented star is in the last year of his $6.1 million dollar deal. Collins will make $1.26 million this season. A lofty but reachable goal is adding the Defensive Player of the Year to his mantle. Adding the trophy will make Landon a hot commodity during free agency.

In a November 2016, Monday night game, Collins was sensational against the Bengals. He made five tackles and an interception. After the game. NFL reporters asked star wide receiver, Odell Beckham Jr., about Landon making big plays.  The former Bengal Tiger curtly responded,

"As much as I hate to say it, he went to Alabama. He’s been prepared since he’s been in college."

All American talent and heart

The New Orleans native played a vital role in his three seasons on the Capstone. Collins’ initial introduction to the nation was during 2012 Under Armour All American game; his mother was not pleased with his commitment to Alabama.

As Collins, while pressing his hands into a fresh pair of Alabama football gloves, she blurted out, “LSU Tigers number one! Go Tigers!” She wanted her son to attend hometown LSU. Their relationship remains strained today because of Collins’ decision to roll with the Tide.

Once Landon arrived on campus, he made an immediate splash on special teams as a hard hitter. As an Alabama football sophomore, he backed up Vinnie Sunseri. After a knee injury to the starting safety, Collins stepped in.

The young player patterned his game after the late great Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor who garnered a reputation as a big hitter and playmaker. The immensely talented safety’s biggest play that season was an 89-yard pick six against the Tennessee Volunteers.

His junior campaign culminated by being named a unanimous first-team All American. He led the Tide with 98 tackles, three interceptions and into their first berth in the inaugural College Football Playoff.

Beckham gets most of the attention regarding new contract deals for Giants’ players. Collins doesn’t appear to mind. Maybe that is because of the past acknowledgment from the former, college rival. Landon Collins is not alone among NFL players in maintaining a standard learned from Alabama football.