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{{Infobox NFL player
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{{Infobox NFL biography
 
|image=
 
|image=
 
|position=[[Quarterback]]
 
|position=[[Quarterback]]
 
|number=10, 7
 
|number=10, 7
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|birth_date={{birth date and age|1961|5|14}}
+
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1961|5|14}}
 
|birth_place=[[Biloxi, Mississippi]]
 
|death_date=
 
|death_date=
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|height_ft=6
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|debutyear=1983
 
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|height_in=3
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|finalyear=1987
 
  +
|weight_lbs=205
 
|draftyear=1983
 
|draftyear=1983
 
|draftround=6
 
|draftround=6
 
|draftpick=162
 
|draftpick=162
  +
|high_school=[[D'Iberville High School|D'Iberville (MS)]]
 
|college=[[University of Southern Mississippi|Southern Mississippi]]
 
|college=[[University of Southern Mississippi|Southern Mississippi]]
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|teams=<nowiki></nowiki>
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|teams=
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* [[Birmingham Stallions]] <small>([[United States Football League|USFL]])</small> (1983)
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* [[Birmingham Stallions]] ({{USFL Year|1983}})
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* [[Orlando Renegades|Washington Federals]] <small>(USFL)</small> (1984)
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* [[Orlando Renegades|Washington Federals]] ({{USFL Year|1984}})
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* [[Orlando Renegades]] <small>(USFL)</small> (1985)
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* [[Orlando Renegades]] ({{USFL Year|1985}})
 
* [[Dallas Cowboys]] ({{NFL Year|1986}})
 
* [[Dallas Cowboys]] ({{NFL Year|1986}})
 
* [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] ({{NFL Year|1987}})
 
* [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] ({{NFL Year|1987}})
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* [[Orlando Predators]] ({{AFL Year|1991}})
|statlabel1=[[Touchdown|TD]]-[[Interception (football)|INT]]
 
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* [[Indiana Firebirds|Albany Firebirds]] ({{AFL Year|1993}})
|statvalue1=3-3
 
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|highlights=
|statlabel2=Yards
 
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* Third-Team [[All-American]] ([[Interception|1981]], [[Interception|1982]])
|statvalue2=206
 
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* All-South Independent (1981, 1982)
|statlabel3=[[Passer rating|QB Rating]]
 
  +
|statlabel1=Games played
|statvalue3=86.6
 
 
|statvalue1=6
 
|statlabel2=[[Touchdown|TD]]-[[Interception|INT]]
 
|statvalue2=3-3
 
|statlabel3=Yards
 
|statvalue3=206
 
|statlabel4=[[Passer rating|QB Rating]]
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|statvalue4=86.6
 
|nfl=COL430668
 
|nfl=COL430668
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|pfr=CollRe20
|birth_place=[[Biloxi, Mississippi]]
 
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|aflstatlabel1=[[Touchdown|TD]]-[[Interception|INT]]
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|aflstatvalue1=36-9
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|aflstatlabel2=Yards
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|aflstatvalue2=1,923
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|aflstatlabel3=[[Passer rating|QB Rating]]
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|aflstatvalue3=83.09
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|afl=319
 
}}
 
}}
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'''Reginald C. Collier''' (born May 14, 1961 in [[Biloxi, Mississippi]]) is a former professional [[American football]] player. Best known as a dynamic college football star, Collier had a short-lived professional career in both the [[United States Football League]] and [[National Football League]].
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'''Reginald C. Collier''' (born May 14, 1961) is a former professional [[American football]] [[quarterback]]. Best known as a dynamic [[college football]] star, he had a short-lived professional career in both the [[United States Football League]] and [[National Football League]]. He played [[college football]] at the [[University of Southern Mississippi]].
   
  +
==Early years==
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Collier played collegiate football as a [[quarterback]] for the [[The University of Southern Mississippi]]. In 1981, he became the first quarterback in [[NCAA Division I]] history to pass and rush for over 1,000 yards in the same season, and came in ninth in [[Heisman]] Trophy voting. He rushed for 12 touchdowns in the 1981 and 1982 seasons.
 
  +
Collier’s grandparents, didn't allow him to play football until his junior year in [[D'Iberville High School]], becoming a starter at [[quarterback]] before breaking his collarbone after playing in three games (all of them wins).
   
  +
The next year, he guided his team to a perfect 13-0 record, while also playing [[Safety (American and Canadian football position)|safety]] on defense. He received MVP honors in the state's high school all-star game. He also practiced [[basketball]].
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In 1983, Collier was drafted by the [[Birmingham Stallions]] of the [[United States Football League]] in the first round in 1983 (third player overall). He later played with the [[Washington Federals]] and the [[Orlando Renegades]]. His greatest professional success came in Orlando with coach Lee Corso, now of ESPN. As a Renegade, Collier
 
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passed for 2,578 yards and 13 touchdowns, while being intercepted 16 times. He also rushed for 606 yards and 12 touchdowns.
 
   
  +
==College career==
−
In 1986, Collier signed a four-year deal with the [[Dallas Cowboys]], who drafted him in the sixth round of the [[1983 NFL Draft]]. Though drafted as a QB, he played several games at [[wide receiver]] due to team injuries.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/nfl/stories/020605dnsponflqbs.2973e.html |title=Black QBs evolving into marquee NFL players | publisher=dallasnews.com | accessdate=2008-08-19}}</ref> After one season with the Cowboys, he was waived and later joined the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] in 1987. He played in 2 games for the Steelers before ending his NFL career.
 
  +
Collier accepted a football scholarship from the [[University of Southern Mississippi]] under head coach [[Bobby Collins (American football coach)|Bobby Collins]], who was using the [[Veer|veer offense]] and promised him that he could play [[quarterback]]. As a freshman, he was a backup behind Dane McDaniel.
   
  +
He became a starter as a sophomore, leading the team to a 6-0 start, with victories over the [[University of Mississippi]] and [[Mississippi State University]] (in back-to-back weeks) and the first [[Associated Press]] Top 25 ranking in the program history (No. 20 on Oct. 21, 1980). The team beat [[McNeese State University]] 16-14 at the [[Independence Bowl]], for the school's first [[bowl game]] win in history. He tallied 1,268 passing yards, 7 passing [[touchdown]]s, 464 rushing yards and 2 rushing [[touchdown]]s.
In 2000, he was selected, along with [[Brett Favre]], to the Southern Miss Team of the Century.<ref name="southernmiss.cstv.com">{{cite web | url=http://southernmiss.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/073108aad.html |title=Southern Miss Announces Retirement of Reggie Collier's No. 10 Jersey | publisher=southernmiss.cstv.com | accessdate=2008-08-19}}</ref>
 
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His collegiate No. 10 Jersey was retired by Southern Miss in 2008.<ref name="southernmiss.cstv.com"/>
 
   
  +
His junior year in 1981 was one for the ages, when he became the first quarterback in [[NCAA Division I]] history to pass and rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season, posting 81 out of 139 attempts for 1,004 passing yards and had 153 carries for 1,005 rushing yards. He accomplished several noteworthy victories in school history, against [[Mississippi State University]], [[Florida State University]] and tying the [[University of Alabama]] 13-13 at [[Legion Field]] in Birmingham, when he led the offense down the field for a dramatic game-tying field goal. He had career-high 186 rushing yards against the [[University of Texas at Arlington]]. He finished with a 9-2-1 record, was ninth in the [[Heisman Trophy]] voting and help the school achieve its highest [[Associated Press]] ranking ever (No. 9).
He is currently the Coordinator of Athletic Development and Community Relations in the Southern Miss Athletics Department. Collier is also a member of the Nu Eta chapter of [[Omega Psi Phi]] fraternity.
 
  +
  +
In his senior season, Collins left and Jim Carmody took over the head coaching responsibilities. He changed the offense and the team struggled with a 7-4 record. Still Collier had a 38-29 historic win against Alabama, ending their 57-game winning streak at [[Bryant–Denny Stadium]]. He finished his college career with 3,362 passing yards, 2,302 rushing yards on 446 carries, 5,964 yards of total offense (school record) and 26 [[touchdown]]s.
  +
 
In 2000, he was inducted into the USM Athletic Hall of Fame and was selected along with [[Brett Favre]], to the Southern Miss Team of the Century.<ref name="southernmiss.cstv.com">{{cite web | url=https://southernmiss.com/news/2008/7/31/Southern_Miss_Announces_Retirement_of_Reggie_Collier_s_No_10_Football_Jersey.aspx |title=Southern Miss Announces Retirement of Reggie Collier's No. 10 Jersey | publisher=southernmiss.com | accessdate=February 19, 2019}}</ref> In 2008, his collegiate No. 10 Jersey was retired by Southern Miss and became one of three players in school history to have been given this honor.<ref name="southernmiss.cstv.com"/> He also was inducted into the [[Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame]].
  +
  +
==Professional career==
  +
  +
===Birmingham Stallions===
  +
Collier was selected by the [[Birmingham Stallions]] of the [[United States Football League]] in the first round (third overall) of the [[1983 USFL Draft]].<ref>{{cite web| url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1891&dat=19830113&id=TqQfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KdYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5708,1927114&hl=en | title=Collier inks five-year pact with Birmingham Stallions | accessdate=February 19, 2019}}</ref> He injured his hip in the season opener and started being platooned with Bob Lane.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1891&dat=19830511&id=xaQfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LNYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5982,2951168&hl=en | title=Move o Lane won't mean shakeup for Birmingham | accessdate=February 19, 2019}}</ref> He suffered a season ending knee injury in the tenth game, after registering 5 starts, 604 passing yards, one touchdown, 253 rushing yards and 4 rushing [[touchdown]]s.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=19840112&id=f5dPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LAYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3661,6159736&hl=en | title=Federals After Stallions' Collier | accessdate=February 19, 2019}}</ref> It was later known that after being separated from the team, he started drinking and using drugs.
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  +
On January 12, [[1984 USFL season|1984]], the team signed quarterback [[Cliff Stoudt]] and traded Collier to the [[Washington Federals]] in exchange for a number one draft choice (#1 [[Jerry Rice]]) and the rights to [[Center (gridiron football)|center]] [[Joel Hilgenberg]].
  +
  +
===Washington Federals / Orlando Renegades===
  +
In [[1984 USFL season|1984]], he was being platooned with [[Mike Hohensee]] during the pre-season, until he was relegated to the backup position after the opening game of the season.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1946&dat=19840301&id=94U0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=jKUFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1142,235078&hl=en | title=Federals fire Jauch over dismal record | accessdate=February 19, 2019}}</ref>
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  +
In [[1985 USFL season|1985]], the team moved to Orlando and was renamed as the [[Orlando Renegades]]. The owner chose not to retain [[Howard Schnellenberger]] and asked [[Lee Corso]] to take over as the head coach. He would name Collier the starter at quarterback in the fifth game of the season, after being limited with a finger injury early in the year. He finished with a 5-13 record, 229 of 427 attempts for 2,578 passing yards, 606 rushing yards, 13 passing [[touchdown]]s, 12 rushing [[touchdown]]s (including 2 runs of 63 and 71 yards) and 16 interceptions. In the last six games, he passed for 8 [[touchdown]]s and 4 interceptions. He had his best passing game as a professional against the [[Tampa Bay Bandits]], making 17 out of 30 passes for 214 yards, 3 [[touchdown]]s and one interception. Against the [[Jacksonville Bulls]], he rushed for 171 yards and 4 [[touchdown]]s, setting pro football single-game rushing records for a [[quarterback]].
  +
  +
In his USFL career, he recorded 358 out of 695 attempts for 4,151 passing yards, 20 passing [[touchdown]]s, 35 interceptions, 155 carries for 1,033 rushing yards, a 6.7 yard per carry average and 17 rushing [[touchdown]]s.
  +
  +
===Dallas Cowboys===
  +
The [[Dallas Cowboys]] of the [[National Football League]], gambling that the [[United States Football League|USFL]] was not going to last, acquired Collier's [[NFL]] rights by selecting him in the sixth round (162nd overall) of the [[1985 NFL Draft]], even though he had already signed with the [[Washington Federals]]. On May 23, [[1986 NFL season|1986]], he signed a four-year contract, which was a transaction that was overshadowed by the acquisition of [[running back]] [[Herschel Walker]].<ref>{{cite web| url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1873&dat=19860714&id=R4YfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Ps4EAAAAIBAJ&pg=1369,7653291&hl=en | title=Reggie Collier Determined For Dallas | accessdate=February 19, 2019}}</ref>
  +
  +
Although he was considered as a "raw" player at the time, he was also seen as the prototype of the future [[NFL]] [[quarterback]]. In pre-season he was productive in his appearances, but could not move out of the third-string quarterback role. He was the first [[African American]] [[quarterback]] to make the Cowboys roster.
  +
  +
The team accommodated Collier expecting that he could develop and refine his skills, but it was perceived that he never practiced or prepared diligently enough.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1144&dat=19870925&id=brUqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QmMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4170,6066510&hl=en | title=Stelers Notebook | accessdate=February 19, 2019}}</ref> He also was tried at [[wide receiver]]. Eventually his substance abuse problem came to light.
  +
  +
On November 23, with a score of 7-41 against the [[Washington Redskins]], Collier was sent in the fourth quarter with 8 minutes to play, helped the offense score 7 points and ran out of time while looking for a possible second touchdown.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1346&dat=19861124&id=sWRNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lPsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4685,5247929&hl=en | title=Redskins totally dominate Cowboys | accessdate=February 19, 2019}}</ref> In the season finale against the defending [[Super Bowl]] Champions the [[Chicago Bears]], he became the first [[African American]] quarterback to start in fanchise history.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1298&dat=19861217&id=JOBLAAAAIBAJ&sjid=UosDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2806,3001844 | title=Cowboys will give Regie Collier a chance | accessdate=February 19, 2019}}</ref> He had four turnovers (three came in his first three series) and was replaced with [[Steve Pelluer]] in the third quarter.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=861&dat=19861221&id=RbtdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=9F0NAAAAIBAJ&pg=6314,5698002&hl=en | title=Bears Put Finishing Toches on Cowboys | accessdate=February 19, 2019}}</ref>
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Collier played in four games in [[1986 NFL season|1986]], completing 8 of 15 passes for 96 yards and one touchdown. He was waived on June 17, [[1987 NFL season|1987]].<ref>{{cite web| url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=861&dat=19870618&id=DfcnAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NlYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6024,4033227&hl=en | title=Cowboys Waive Richards, Collier | accessdate=February 19, 2019}}</ref>
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===Pittsburgh Steelers===
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After the players went on a strike on the third week of the [[1987 NFL season|1987 season]], those games were canceled (reducing the 16 game season to 15) and the [[NFL]] decided that the games would be played with replacement players. Collier was signed to be a part of the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] replacement team.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2519&dat=19870926&id=_KVdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=IV0NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1157,5898135&hl=en | title=Collier newest strikebreaker in Steeler camp | accessdate=February 19, 2019}}</ref> He played in two games before being released after the strike was over on October 19.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2519&dat=19871020&id=wHBeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=qmENAAAAIBAJ&pg=1260,3324252&hl=en | title=Few surprises as Steelers purge roster | accessdate=February 19, 2019}}</ref>
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===Orlando Predators===
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In [[1991 AFL season|1991]], Collier was the first ever player signed by the [[Orlando Predators]] franchise of the [[Arena Football League]]. He passed for 1,312 yards, 21 [[touchdown]]s, 5 interceptions (a league low), before being replaced by future AFL Hall of Famer [[Ben Bennett]], after being sacked 24 times (highest in the league). He was waived on April 14, [[1992 AFL season|1992]].<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1992-04-15-9204150767-story.html | title=Predators Waive Collier, 9 Others | accessdate=February 19, 2019}}</ref>
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===Albany Firebirds===
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On April 13, [[1993 AFL season|1993]], He signed with the [[Indiana Firebirds|Albany Firebirds]] after being out of football for a year rehabbing a knee injury.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1957&dat=19930414&id=ZWlGAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LukMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2452,3498741&hl=en | title=Collier gives Firebirds depth, experience at QB | accessdate=February 19, 2019}}</ref> On June 29, he was lost for the season with a knee injury.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1957&dat=19930630&id=YllGAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NukMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1507,7325930&hl=en | title=Collier out for season | accessdate=February 19, 2019}}</ref>
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==Personal life==
 
Collier is currently the Coordinator of Athletic Development and Community Relations in the Southern Miss Athletics Department. He is also a member of the Nu Eta chapter of [[Omega Psi Phi]] fraternity.
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==See also==
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* [[Racial issues faced by black quarterbacks]]
   
 
==References==
 
==References==
−
{{reflist}}
+
{{Reflist|30em}}
   
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==External links==
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*[https://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--original-read-option-star-qb-reggie-collier-never-caught-on-in-nfl--but-is-at-peace-with-life-after-conquering-addiction-200300367.html Read-option star QB Reggie Collier missed NFL stardom, but at peace after conquering addiction]
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*[http://msfame.com/hall-of-fame/inductees/reggie-collier/ Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame bio]
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{{Southern Miss Golden Eagles quarterback navbox}}
 
{{Cowboys1983DraftPicks}}
 
{{Cowboys1983DraftPicks}}
 
{{Dallas Cowboys starting quarterback navbox}}
 
{{Dallas Cowboys starting quarterback navbox}}
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{{Orlando Predators starting quarterback navbox}}
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{{Indiana Firebirds starting quarterback navbox}}
   
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{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
 
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| NAME = Collier, Reggie
 
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| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
 
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| SHORT DESCRIPTION = [[American football]] player
 
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| DATE OF BIRTH = 1961-05-14
 
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| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Biloxi, Mississippi]]
 
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| DATE OF DEATH =
 
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| PLACE OF DEATH =
 
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}}
 
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Collier, Reggie}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Collier, Reggie}}
 
[[Category:1961 births]]
 
[[Category:1961 births]]
 
[[Category:Living people]]
 
[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:People from Biloxi, Mississippi]]
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[[Category:Sportspeople from Biloxi, Mississippi]]
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[[Category:Players of American football from Mississippi]]
 
[[Category:American football quarterbacks]]
 
[[Category:American football quarterbacks]]
 
[[Category:Southern Miss Golden Eagles football players]]
 
[[Category:Southern Miss Golden Eagles football players]]
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[[Category:Birmingham Stallions players]]
 
[[Category:Birmingham Stallions players]]
 
[[Category:Washington Federals/Orlando Renegades players]]
 
[[Category:Washington Federals/Orlando Renegades players]]
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[[Category:Orlando Predators players]]
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[[Category:Albany Firebirds players]]
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[[Category:National Football League replacement players]]
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[[Category:African-American players of American football]]

Latest revision as of 23:11, 4 September 2019

Reggie Collier
No. 10, 7
Position:Quarterback
Personal information
Born: (1961-05-14) May 14, 1961 (age 62)
Biloxi, Mississippi
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:205 lb (93 kg)
Career information
High school:D'Iberville (MS)
College:Southern Mississippi
NFL Draft:1983 / Round: 6 / Pick: 162
Career history
* Birmingham Stallions (1983)
Career highlights and awards
* Third-Team All-American (1981, 1982)
  • All-South Independent (1981, 1982)
Career NFL statistics
Games played:6
TD-INT:3-3
Yards:206
QB Rating:86.6
Player stats at NFL.com
Career Arena statistics
TD-INT:36-9
Yards:1,923
QB Rating:83.09
Player stats at PFR
Player stats at ArenaFan.com

Reginald C. Collier (born May 14, 1961) is a former professional American football quarterback. Best known as a dynamic college football star, he had a short-lived professional career in both the United States Football League and National Football League. He played college football at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Early years

Collier’s grandparents, didn't allow him to play football until his junior year in D'Iberville High School, becoming a starter at quarterback before breaking his collarbone after playing in three games (all of them wins).

The next year, he guided his team to a perfect 13-0 record, while also playing safety on defense. He received MVP honors in the state's high school all-star game. He also practiced basketball.

College career

Collier accepted a football scholarship from the University of Southern Mississippi under head coach Bobby Collins, who was using the veer offense and promised him that he could play quarterback. As a freshman, he was a backup behind Dane McDaniel.

He became a starter as a sophomore, leading the team to a 6-0 start, with victories over the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University (in back-to-back weeks) and the first Associated Press Top 25 ranking in the program history (No. 20 on Oct. 21, 1980). The team beat McNeese State University 16-14 at the Independence Bowl, for the school's first bowl game win in history. He tallied 1,268 passing yards, 7 passing touchdowns, 464 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns.

His junior year in 1981 was one for the ages, when he became the first quarterback in NCAA Division I history to pass and rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season, posting 81 out of 139 attempts for 1,004 passing yards and had 153 carries for 1,005 rushing yards. He accomplished several noteworthy victories in school history, against Mississippi State University, Florida State University and tying the University of Alabama 13-13 at Legion Field in Birmingham, when he led the offense down the field for a dramatic game-tying field goal. He had career-high 186 rushing yards against the University of Texas at Arlington. He finished with a 9-2-1 record, was ninth in the Heisman Trophy voting and help the school achieve its highest Associated Press ranking ever (No. 9).

In his senior season, Collins left and Jim Carmody took over the head coaching responsibilities. He changed the offense and the team struggled with a 7-4 record. Still Collier had a 38-29 historic win against Alabama, ending their 57-game winning streak at Bryant–Denny Stadium. He finished his college career with 3,362 passing yards, 2,302 rushing yards on 446 carries, 5,964 yards of total offense (school record) and 26 touchdowns.

In 2000, he was inducted into the USM Athletic Hall of Fame and was selected along with Brett Favre, to the Southern Miss Team of the Century.[1] In 2008, his collegiate No. 10 Jersey was retired by Southern Miss and became one of three players in school history to have been given this honor.[1] He also was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

Professional career

Birmingham Stallions

Collier was selected by the Birmingham Stallions of the United States Football League in the first round (third overall) of the 1983 USFL Draft.[2] He injured his hip in the season opener and started being platooned with Bob Lane.[3] He suffered a season ending knee injury in the tenth game, after registering 5 starts, 604 passing yards, one touchdown, 253 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns.[4] It was later known that after being separated from the team, he started drinking and using drugs.

On January 12, 1984, the team signed quarterback Cliff Stoudt and traded Collier to the Washington Federals in exchange for a number one draft choice (#1 Jerry Rice) and the rights to center Joel Hilgenberg.

Washington Federals / Orlando Renegades

In 1984, he was being platooned with Mike Hohensee during the pre-season, until he was relegated to the backup position after the opening game of the season.[5]

In 1985, the team moved to Orlando and was renamed as the Orlando Renegades. The owner chose not to retain Howard Schnellenberger and asked Lee Corso to take over as the head coach. He would name Collier the starter at quarterback in the fifth game of the season, after being limited with a finger injury early in the year. He finished with a 5-13 record, 229 of 427 attempts for 2,578 passing yards, 606 rushing yards, 13 passing touchdowns, 12 rushing touchdowns (including 2 runs of 63 and 71 yards) and 16 interceptions. In the last six games, he passed for 8 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. He had his best passing game as a professional against the Tampa Bay Bandits, making 17 out of 30 passes for 214 yards, 3 touchdowns and one interception. Against the Jacksonville Bulls, he rushed for 171 yards and 4 touchdowns, setting pro football single-game rushing records for a quarterback.

In his USFL career, he recorded 358 out of 695 attempts for 4,151 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns, 35 interceptions, 155 carries for 1,033 rushing yards, a 6.7 yard per carry average and 17 rushing touchdowns.

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League, gambling that the USFL was not going to last, acquired Collier's NFL rights by selecting him in the sixth round (162nd overall) of the 1985 NFL Draft, even though he had already signed with the Washington Federals. On May 23, 1986, he signed a four-year contract, which was a transaction that was overshadowed by the acquisition of running back Herschel Walker.[6]

Although he was considered as a "raw" player at the time, he was also seen as the prototype of the future NFL quarterback. In pre-season he was productive in his appearances, but could not move out of the third-string quarterback role. He was the first African American quarterback to make the Cowboys roster.

The team accommodated Collier expecting that he could develop and refine his skills, but it was perceived that he never practiced or prepared diligently enough.[7] He also was tried at wide receiver. Eventually his substance abuse problem came to light.

On November 23, with a score of 7-41 against the Washington Redskins, Collier was sent in the fourth quarter with 8 minutes to play, helped the offense score 7 points and ran out of time while looking for a possible second touchdown.[8] In the season finale against the defending Super Bowl Champions the Chicago Bears, he became the first African American quarterback to start in fanchise history.[9] He had four turnovers (three came in his first three series) and was replaced with Steve Pelluer in the third quarter.[10]

Collier played in four games in 1986, completing 8 of 15 passes for 96 yards and one touchdown. He was waived on June 17, 1987.[11]

Pittsburgh Steelers

After the players went on a strike on the third week of the 1987 season, those games were canceled (reducing the 16 game season to 15) and the NFL decided that the games would be played with replacement players. Collier was signed to be a part of the Pittsburgh Steelers replacement team.[12] He played in two games before being released after the strike was over on October 19.[13]

Orlando Predators

In 1991, Collier was the first ever player signed by the Orlando Predators franchise of the Arena Football League. He passed for 1,312 yards, 21 touchdowns, 5 interceptions (a league low), before being replaced by future AFL Hall of Famer Ben Bennett, after being sacked 24 times (highest in the league). He was waived on April 14, 1992.[14]

Albany Firebirds

On April 13, 1993, He signed with the Albany Firebirds after being out of football for a year rehabbing a knee injury.[15] On June 29, he was lost for the season with a knee injury.[16]

Personal life

Collier is currently the Coordinator of Athletic Development and Community Relations in the Southern Miss Athletics Department. He is also a member of the Nu Eta chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

See also

  • Racial issues faced by black quarterbacks

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Southern Miss Announces Retirement of Reggie Collier's No. 10 Jersey". southernmiss.com. https://southernmiss.com/news/2008/7/31/Southern_Miss_Announces_Retirement_of_Reggie_Collier_s_No_10_Football_Jersey.aspx. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  2. ↑ "Collier inks five-year pact with Birmingham Stallions". https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1891&dat=19830113&id=TqQfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KdYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5708,1927114&hl=en. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  3. ↑ "Move o Lane won't mean shakeup for Birmingham". https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1891&dat=19830511&id=xaQfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LNYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5982,2951168&hl=en. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  4. ↑ "Federals After Stallions' Collier". https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=19840112&id=f5dPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LAYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3661,6159736&hl=en. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  5. ↑ "Federals fire Jauch over dismal record". https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1946&dat=19840301&id=94U0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=jKUFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1142,235078&hl=en. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  6. ↑ "Reggie Collier Determined For Dallas". https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1873&dat=19860714&id=R4YfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Ps4EAAAAIBAJ&pg=1369,7653291&hl=en. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  7. ↑ "Stelers Notebook". https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1144&dat=19870925&id=brUqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QmMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4170,6066510&hl=en. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  8. ↑ "Redskins totally dominate Cowboys". https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1346&dat=19861124&id=sWRNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lPsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4685,5247929&hl=en. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  9. ↑ "Cowboys will give Regie Collier a chance". https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1298&dat=19861217&id=JOBLAAAAIBAJ&sjid=UosDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2806,3001844. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  10. ↑ "Bears Put Finishing Toches on Cowboys". https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=861&dat=19861221&id=RbtdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=9F0NAAAAIBAJ&pg=6314,5698002&hl=en. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  11. ↑ "Cowboys Waive Richards, Collier". https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=861&dat=19870618&id=DfcnAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NlYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6024,4033227&hl=en. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  12. ↑ "Collier newest strikebreaker in Steeler camp". https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2519&dat=19870926&id=_KVdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=IV0NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1157,5898135&hl=en. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  13. ↑ "Few surprises as Steelers purge roster". https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2519&dat=19871020&id=wHBeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=qmENAAAAIBAJ&pg=1260,3324252&hl=en. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  14. ↑ "Predators Waive Collier, 9 Others". https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1992-04-15-9204150767-story.html. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  15. ↑ "Collier gives Firebirds depth, experience at QB". https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1957&dat=19930414&id=ZWlGAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LukMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2452,3498741&hl=en. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  16. ↑ "Collier out for season". https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1957&dat=19930630&id=YllGAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NukMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1507,7325930&hl=en. Retrieved February 19, 2019.

External links

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