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Former Raiders offensive lineman Mo Collins dies at age 38

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By Levi Damien
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Tragic news came down on Sunday. Former Raiders offensive lineman, Mo Collins, passed away of kidney failure. He was just 38 years of age.

Damon Jamal "Mo" Collins was a first round pick of the Raiders in 1998 out of Florida. He started at left tackle and later right guard over six seasons in Oakland which saw a great deal of success. He was the team's starting right guard when they made their trip to the Super Bowl in 2002.

Last year Collins returned to his high school of West Charlotte this season become head football coach. The WCHS Lions went 0-11 last season but under the guidance of Collins, were sitting at 4-5.

Collins never forgot his roots at West Charlotte. As an NFL player, he once donated money to build a new weight room.

"West Charlotte is where it all started," he told the Charlotte Observer before the season. "You hear how bad it is and what's happening. All you hear is negative things. . . Me coming back was saying, ‘I care about you.' I'm not doing it for money or status, by no means. I'm not trying to stay relevant. I have a job to show them what it is to be a man, to have a strong work ethic. Instead of me donating money - and money is always good for a program - but giving these boys this type of attention and male leadership, I think, I hope, will be invaluable to them."

His team took the field last Friday without him as he was receiving dialysis treatments for kidney failure. His fight ended Sunday morning.

"I know he had a big heart to help kids and really wanted to turn West Charlotte High School around," said former Carolina Panther and Victory Christian football coach Dee Brown. "I know he was taking great pride in that. Charlotte, West Charlotte High School, the NFL and the entire community has just lost a good man, but I'm sure his legacy will remain in the hearts and lives he touched."

Collins always did have a big heart and he was beloved by his teammates. One such teammate was Lincoln Kennedy who tweeted out in memoriam of his fellow offensive lineman for Collins' entire six years in the NFL.

His former students at West Charlotte now mourn his passing as a "father figure" and "counselor" to many of them. And his status as a former National Champion at Florida and a former NFL start for the Raiders. Current Raiders safety Charles Woodson was chosen 4th overall in first round along with Collins(23rd) in the 1998 draft.

A good man and great teammate gone far too soon.

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