"I was down and depressed," but former Packers safety Nick Collins says his son helped him overcome
GREEN BAY -- One moment, Nick Collins was on top of the world. The next, the former Green Bay Packers safety had spiraled into a deep depression. It took the love of a son to help this father make his greatest comeback.
Nick Collins
"It's always great to come back to the great state of Wisconsin. It shows the fans appreciate you, and I appreciate them for cheering me on when I was here," Collins said.
Collins was in town recently to meet Packers and Milwaukee Admirals fans. He dropped the ceremonial first puck before the Ads tried for their franchise record 10th straight win.
"I hope I brought them luck, and I hope they get that record tonight," Collins said ahead of the game.
For the record, the Admirals did set the franchise mark.
But it wasn't luck that propelled the gifted Collins from a Packers second round draft pick out of Bethune-Cookman University in 2005 to a Super Bowl champion in 2010.
Nick Collins
Luck wasn't on his side when he suffered a frightening neck injury against Carolina on September 18th, 2011.
After starting every game for seven seasons, Collins Pro Bowl career was cut short.
The husband and father of five put on a game face for his family -- but in reality, he was down and out.
It took Collins' oldest son, Nicholas Jr., to help him back up and into the game of life.
Nick Collins
"My son helped me get out of that dark place -- but yes, I was down and depressed. I didn't know it. My son came in and he was like, 'Dad, what's going on?' I was like 'I'm fine,' and we had a phone call that came from the school and my son was just very worried about me, and I had to come face it," Collins said.
Collins never backed down from a challenge on the field.
Eventually, he faced his greatest challenge in life -- but not without his wife and children.
"I wouldn't be the man that I am without my family, and they look up to me. I want to be there until the time I leave this Earth. I want to be there to encourage them, make sure they're doing the right thing, make sure they're doing their classwork. I just want to be a part of it," Collins said.
Six months ago, the now 32-year-old Collins started mentoring young athletes as a trainer. He's teaching them the right way to play the game and he loves it.
"That's one of the most gratifying feelings you can have -- to take what you've learned over the years and instill in someone else -- and they're so appreciative and they thank you a lot. It's been a great ride so far," Collins said.
It was a great ride for Nick Collins in Green Bay.
While he's learning to get along without the game, there's something he misses even more.
"The brotherhood that we created when I was playing with the Packers. It was so much like family, and when things weren't going right at home, or with family, you had your brothers there to help cheer you on. I think I miss that a lot," Collins said.
Had he stayed healthy, Collins might have wound up in the Hall of Fame, but in his heart, he feels like one and he has peace of mind about the way he played the game.
"I know how I played the game. I know I left it all out there every Saturday, Thursday, Monday that I played -- not just for myself, but for the organization and for the fans," Collins said.
Collins had a message to share before departing for his Florida home:
"Merry Christmas to the Packers fans. Wish you the best. Stay blessed."