Green Bay Packers players who deserve more credit for 2010 Super Bowl run
Green Bay Packers. Nick Collins. 49. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. FS. 2. player
It is truly a shame that a neck injury ended Nick Collins’s career in 2011 because the free safety was on a Hall of Fame trajectory before he was forced to retire. In six full seasons, Collins tallied 21 interceptions and five defensive touchdowns, resulting in three Pro Bowl selections.
However, his defining moment came in what would turn out to be one of his final games as a Packer, Super Bowl XLV. Following an Aaron Rodgers touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson late in the first quarter, the Pittsburgh Steelers were flagged on the ensuing kickoff placing them deep within their own territory to start their drive.
On the first play of the possession, defensive tackle Howard Green hit Ben Roethlisberger’s arm as he threw, allowing Collins to pick off an underthrown ball. The safety weaved his way through traffic and leaped into the end zone to give the Packers their second touchdown in as many plays.
While he was flagged for excessive celebration on the play (the league had not yet changed its draconian celebration policies), Collins gave the Packers a commanding early lead, helping Green Bay to a wire-to-wire victory.