Kerry Collins

Kerry Collins is an American former professional football quarterback who played 17 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He has played with a number of teams, like the Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, Oakland Raiders and Tennessee Titans.

Player Profile, High School, and College Career

Kerry Michael Collins was born on December 30, 1972, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, United States of America. The tall, strong-armed quarterback stands 196 cm and played at a listed weight of 112 kg.

He attended Wilson High School in West Lawn, Pennsylvania, where he established himself as a standout prospect. Staying in-state, he committed to Pennsylvania State University, playing for the Nittany Lions from 1991 to 1994.

His senior season in 1994 was historic. He guided Penn State to an undefeated season and a Rose Bowl victory while sweeping major national honors. Collins was named a Consensus All-American, the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, and won the Maxwell Award, Davey O'Brien Award, and Sammy Baugh Trophy.

His collegiate dominance ultimately led to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018.

Professional Career

Collins was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the fifth overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft, making him the very first draft choice in the expansion franchise's history.

He made an immediate impact, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. In just his second season (1996), he led the Panthers to a division title and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game, becoming the youngest expansion team to achieve such success.

His performance earned him his first career Pro Bowl selection.

Following a brief stint with the New Orleans Saints in 1998, Collins found stability with the New York Giants, serving as their starting quarterback from 1999 to 2003. He famously led the Giants on an incredible playoff run during the 2000 season, culminating in a dominant performance in the NFC Championship Game to reach Super Bowl XXXV.

After spending two seasons with the Oakland Raiders (2004–2005), Collins joined the Tennessee Titans.

Transitioning into a veteran leader, he experienced a late-career resurgence in 2008. He took over the starting role early in the season, guiding the Titans to a league-best 13–3 regular-season record and earning his second career Pro Bowl selection.

He concluded his 17-year NFL career by playing his final season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2011.

Career Highlights

• 1996, 2008 - Pro Bowl Selection