Jaguar Richard Collier: Inspiration Part I

Former Jaguar Richard Collier

Both Part I and Part II of the Richard Collier Interview are on this page.  This video is sure to bring a tear to your eyes.  Take a moment and watch this gentle GIANT discuss how he's overcome the loss of his career, his paralysis, his belief, and his upbeat outlook on life.

Richard Collier, former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle (2006-08), is paralyzed and wheelchair bound as a result of multiple gunshot wounds from a 2008 shooting incident in the Riverside neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida.  In 2009, after a nine-day trial, a jury found Tyrone Hartsfield guilty of attempted first-degree murder, for which Hartsfield is now serving a life sentence.

RICHARD COLLIER PART I

RICHARD COLLIER PART II




Collier, born October 23, 1981, grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, and attended Tyler Junior College in Texas, where a counselor guided him towards football.  In 2004, Collier transferred to Division II Valdosta State in Georgia and won the 2004 NCAA Division II National Football Championship.  Senior year in 2005, Collier received All-American honors.  He signed on with the Jaguars in 2006 and played two seasons for the team until the shooting incident ended his football career.          

MILLER INTERVIEWING COLLIER

On Friday, September 16, 2011, Collier joined Miller on Sports in the studio.  During the interview, Collier talked frankly about the shooting and described the incident as a senseless and unfortunate act.  While Collier admitted that he did not like what happened and that there have been many difficulties in adapting to his new lifestyle, he neither asked "why me?" nor questioned God's plan.  After the shooting, he knew he needed to be strong for his friends and family because they were all looking at him to see how he would cope with the end to his football career.  His faith in God gave him the "boost" he needed to deal with the injuries sustained in the shooting.  

He explained how he prepared to stand (with a special body brace under his tuxedo, a prosthetic limb, and his brother close by for bodily support, if needed) at his recent wedding because he felt that it was very important to stand to kiss his bride after the vows.  With that story and others, you will hear what an inspiration Collier is to this community and the sports world.  After the interview, the WBOB staff as well as other onlookers were eager to meet Collier and request photographs.  This showing of affection and admiration is something the very humble Collier is going to have to get comfortable with these days.