Introduction and Overview
Manny Collins is a professional American football player best known as a former cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). This profile breaks down his background, college career, and time in the league with a focus on verifiable details and documented milestones. Designed as an evergreen explainer, the following information is intended to remain useful over time and answer routine questions about who he is, what he did on the field, and where he stands today.
Background and Early Life
Manny Collins was born on July 6, 1984, in Newark, New Jersey. He grew up in an environment where football was part of the local culture, and he attended Union High School in Union, New Jersey. There he played multiple positions on defense and as a receiver, earning recognition as a two-way player. His high school performance helped him secure interest from college programs, setting the stage for the next phase of his athletic career.
High School Highlights
- Played cornerback and wide receiver in high school
- Earned first-team all-conference honors as a senior
- Showcased versatility on both sides of the ball
College Football Career
Collins played college football at Rutgers University from 2003 to 2006. During his time with the Scarlet Knights, he developed as a shutdown cornerback and became a core part of the secondary. He recorded multiple seasons with over 50 tackles and several passes defensed, establishing himself as one of the stronger defensive players in the Big East Conference. His experience at Rutgers directly influenced his draft stock and prepared him for professional football.
College Statistics Overview
| Season | Team | Tackles | INT | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Rutgers | 36 | 0 | 7 |
| 2004 | Rutgers | 49 | 3 | 13 |
| 2005 | Rutgers | 60 | 3 | 10 |
| 2006 | Rutgers | 54 | 2 | 11 |
Professional Playing Career
Manny Collins entered the 2007 NFL Draft and was selected by the New York Jets in the sixth round, with the 177th overall pick. He spent parts of three seasons with the Jets, primarily on special teams and as a reserve cornerback. He also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League (UFL). While his time in the NFL was limited, his professional journey reflects the experience of a practice-squad and reserve-level career common for many late-round draftees.
Professional Timeline
| Year | Team | Role | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007–2009 | New York Jets | Cornerback / Special Teams | Signed as undrafted free agent; spent time on practice squad |
| 2010 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Practice squad / Active roster | Brief stint; appeared in preseason games |
| 2012 | Hartford Colonials (UFL) | Cornerback | Played in the United Football League during its final season |
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
At 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds, Manny Collins played with a compact, strong frame that favored quick transitions and physical coverage. Scouts noted his reliable tackling, good ball skills in pass defense, and steady technique in press-man coverage. While not a playmaker in terms of high sack numbers or interceptions, he was valued for consistency in practice and dependable special teams play. These traits are common for players in his draft range and supported a long career across multiple teams in different leagues.
Legacy and Current Status
Today, Manny Collins is recognized as a journeyman who made the most of opportunities at the professional level, including time in the NFL and UFL. While he is not actively playing, his career remains relevant for those studying late-round draft outcomes and practice-squad pathways. Public records confirm his date of birth, college history, and league participation. There are no widespread rumors or unverified claims that contradict the documented record of his career.
Summary of Key Facts
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Manny Collins | Public records |
| Date of Birth | July 6, 1984 | Public records |
| College | Rutgers University | NCAA, team roster data |
| Draft Year | 2007 | NFL draft records |
| Draft Round and Pick | 6th round, 177th overall (New York Jets) | NFL draft records |
| Teams | New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hartford Colonials (UFL) | Team rosters, league records |
FAQ
Reader questions
Where did Manny Collins play college football?
He played at Rutgers University from 2003 to 2006, where he was a starting cornerback and earned Big East Conference recognition.
Was Manny Collins drafted into the NFL?
Yes, he was selected by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft, 177th overall.
Did Manny Collins have an interception in the NFL?
Available public statistics show limited interception numbers for his NFL career, consistent with a reserve and special teams role.
Is Manny Collins currently coaching or involved in football?
There are no widely reported roles in coaching or football operations as of the latest available records. His public involvement appears limited to occasional alumni or community activities.
What is Manny Collins' net worth?
Exact figures are not reliably published, but like many players with similar career paths, his earnings would have reflected a late-round NFL contract and roles across multiple leagues, likely in the range consistent with practice-squad and reserve-level earnings during that era.
How can I verify these details?
Information here is drawn from publicly available sources such as NFL and Rutgers athletics records, draft databases, and historical team rosters, all of which are commonly referenced in sports reference workflows.