Brief Introduction of La’el Collins
La’el Collins is an American professional football offensive tackle widely recognized for his powerful presence on the offensive line in the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 26, 1993, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Collins built a reputation as a dominant blocker during his college career at Louisiana State University (LSU) before joining the NFL. He is primarily known for his stints with the Dallas Cowboys and the Cincinnati Bengals, where he served as a crucial protector for quarterbacks and a formidable run blocker, earning significant contracts and demonstrating his capabilities as a top-tier offensive lineman. His journey in professional football has been marked by resilience and dedication, overcoming initial challenges to establish himself as a prominent figure in the league.
La’el Collins Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | La’el Collins |
| Date of Birth | July 26, 1993 |
| Age (as of August 2025) | 32 years old |
| Birthplace | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 315 lbs (143 kg) |
| Profession | Professional American Football Offensive Tackle |
| College | Louisiana State University (LSU) |
| NFL Draft | Undrafted (2015) |
| Parents | Loyetta Collins (Mother), David Phillips (Father) |
| Siblings | Loruhamah (sister), David (brother), Lahairoi (sister), Leah (sister) |
| Current Team (as of August 2025) | Free Agent (Released by Dallas Cowboys on August 24, 2025) |
| Net Worth (estimated) | Around $5 million (as of November 2022, per some sources) |
Early Life and Education of La’el Collins
La’el Collins was born on July 26, 1993, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His mother, Loyetta Collins, played a pivotal role in his upbringing, raising him and his four siblings, Loruhamah, David, Lahairoi, and Leah, with strong values and a focus on education and faith. His name, La’el (pronounced Lah-EL), is Hebrew, meaning “Belonging to God,” a name given to him by his grandmother.
Collins attended Redemptorist High School in his hometown of Baton Rouge. During his high school career, he quickly emerged as a standout football player, earning Louisiana 3A All-State team honors in each of his final three seasons. He was recognized as one of the nation’s premiere offensive tackles and was named an All-American by Parade and USA Today. Many scouts considered him the best offensive line prospect to ever come out of Louisiana, with Rivals ranking him as the top recruit in the state.
Despite receiving offers from numerous major college football programs, Collins chose to stay close to home, committing to Louisiana State University (LSU) in September 2009. His decision allowed his family, particularly his mother, to attend his games and continue to offer their support.
College Career at LSU
Collins’ college career at LSU from 2011 to 2014 was highly successful. As a true freshman in 2011, he played in seven games and was recognized as a Freshman All-American by CBSSports.com. His sophomore year saw him become a full-time starter at left guard, playing in all 13 games and leading the team in total snaps and knockdown blocks. He earned SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors for his performance against Alabama.
For his junior and senior seasons, Collins transitioned to left tackle, a position where he continued to excel. In 2013, he earned second-team All-SEC honors, helping LSU’s offense set school records for total yards and rushing touchdowns per game. He notably turned down an opportunity to enter the 2014 NFL Draft to return for his senior year, a decision that paid off significantly. In his senior year (2014), Collins started all 13 games at left tackle, again leading the team in offensive snaps and knockdowns. He was awarded the prestigious Jacobs Blocking Trophy, recognizing him as the top offensive lineman in the SEC, and was voted First-team All-SEC by both the league’s coaches and the Associated Press.
La’el Collins’ Career
La’el Collins’ professional football career began under unusual circumstances but he quickly established himself as a valuable asset in the NFL. Despite being projected as a first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Collins went undrafted due to unforeseen legal issues that emerged just days before the draft. He was sought for questioning by Baton Rouge police regarding the murder of a pregnant woman he had previously dated. Although he was never a suspect and passed a privately administered lie detector test, the situation deterred NFL teams from drafting him.
Joining the Dallas Cowboys (First Stint)
Following the draft, Collins signed as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys on May 7, 2015. His initial contract was a three-year deal worth $1.599 million, all guaranteed, including a $21,000 signing bonus. After starting the 2015 season as a reserve offensive guard, he quickly moved into a starting role at left guard by Week 6. In 2016, a toe injury placed him on injured reserve, causing him to miss most of the season.
In 2017, Collins transitioned to right tackle, the position he played in college, and started all 16 games. His performance earned him a two-year, $15.4 million contract extension through the 2019 season. He continued as the starting right tackle in 2018, contributing to a successful Cowboys offense that saw Dak Prescott throw for over 4,000 yards and Ezekiel Elliott secure his second rushing crown.
On September 3, 2019, Collins signed a lucrative five-year, $50 million contract extension with the Cowboys. He started 15 games at right tackle in 2019, being part of an offensive line that allowed only 23 sacks, the second-fewest in the league. The 2020 season saw him placed on injured reserve due to a neck stinger and hip/groin injuries, causing him to miss the entire season. In 2021, he played 12 games, starting 10, but was also suspended for five games due to missed drug tests. The Cowboys released him on March 17, 2022.
Time with the Cincinnati Bengals
After his release from the Cowboys, Collins signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals on March 20, 2022. He started 15 games at right tackle for the Bengals in the 2022 season. His 2023 season was cut short due to a torn left ACL and MCL injury suffered in Week 16, which placed him on injured reserve. He was released by the Bengals on September 12, 2023.
Return to the Dallas Cowboys (Second and Third Stints)
On January 2, 2024, Collins was signed to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, with his contract expiring after the team’s season ended on January 14, 2024. He then signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills in April 2024 but was released on August 27, 2024, as part of final roster cuts.
Most recently, on August 2, 2025, Collins signed with the Dallas Cowboys again, but was subsequently released on August 24, 2025. Throughout his career, Collins has appeared in 89 NFL games, starting 86 of them.
La’el Collins Personal Life & Family
La’el Collins maintains a relatively private personal life, though aspects of his family dynamics and upbringing are known. He is one of five children born to Loyetta Collins. His siblings include Loruhamah, David, Lahairoi, and Leah. His mother, Loyetta, has been a significant influence, instilling in him strong values and guiding him through various life challenges. She worked multiple jobs to support her family and ensured her children attended church regularly and focused on their education.
In 2019, La’el Collins made headlines when he surprised his mother with a new house for Christmas, fulfilling a lifelong dream and demonstrating his gratitude for her sacrifices. This heartwarming gesture was widely shared on social media, with Collins expressing how blessed he felt to be able to provide for his family.
Collins’ brother, David, was a member of the track and field team at LSU. La’el himself is known to be tattoo-free, adhering to his mother’s belief against “branding” the Lord’s work. While there is no widely reported information about La’el Collins’ girlfriend, wife, or children, his family remains a central part of his life. He has often emphasized the importance of family, and his relatives, including uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews, have shown strong support, particularly during significant career moments.
Awards and Achievements of La’el Collins
La’el Collins has accumulated several notable awards and achievements throughout his college and professional football career, primarily recognizing his excellence as an offensive lineman:
- Jacobs Blocking Trophy (2014): Awarded to the top offensive lineman in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), as voted on by the league’s coaches. Collins was the first LSU Tiger to win this award since 2009.
- First-team All-SEC (2014): Selected by both the SEC coaches and the Associated Press.
- Second-team All-American (2014): Named by USA Today and the Associated Press.
- Second-team All-SEC (2013): Earned this honor during his junior year at LSU.
- Freshman All-American (2011): Recognized by CBSSports.com in his true freshman season.
- SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week: Received this recognition multiple times during his college career, including for his performance against Alabama in 2012 and against TCU in 2013.
- PFF’s Top-Ranked Offensive Rookie for Week 1 of Preseason (2015): Despite going undrafted, Collins quickly made an impact, earning this accolade from ProFootballFocus.com for his performance in his first NFL preseason game.
La’el Collins Net Worth and Income
As of August 2025, La’el Collins’ net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, according to some reports from November 2022. His income primarily stems from his professional football contracts and any potential endorsements. Throughout his NFL career, Collins has signed significant contracts.
His rookie deal with the Dallas Cowboys in 2015 was for three years and worth $1.59 million, all guaranteed. In 2017, he signed a two-year extension worth $15.4 million, including a $4 million bonus. His most substantial contract came in September 2019, a five-year, $50 million extension with the Cowboys, which included a $9 million bonus.
After being released by the Cowboys, he signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022, with $5 million guaranteed. While his total career earnings through 2025 are reported to be approximately $49,309,868 across three teams, his net worth estimations can vary based on investments, expenditures, and other financial factors. His 2025 contract with the Dallas Cowboys, signed on August 2, 2025, was a one-year deal for $1,255,000, but he was released on August 24, 2025.
Legacy and Influence
La’el Collins’ legacy is shaped by his resilience, his powerful presence on the field, and his dedication to his family. Despite the unprecedented challenge of going undrafted as a highly-touted prospect, he demonstrated remarkable perseverance to forge a successful NFL career. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, highlighting the importance of character and determination in overcoming adversity.
On the field, Collins was known for his physicality and versatility, capably playing both guard and tackle positions and providing robust protection for his quarterbacks. His contribution to high-performing offensive lines, particularly with the Dallas Cowboys, showcased his impact as a foundational player.
Off the field, Collins has maintained a strong connection to his family and his roots. His public gesture of buying his mother a new home resonated widely, underscoring his values and the importance of giving back to those who supported him. He has been described as a “model citizen” during his time at LSU, representing his program well in the community. While his professional journey has had its ups and downs, his commitment to personal growth and his family remains a defining aspect of his public image.
Interesting Facts about La’el Collins
- Pronunciation: His first name, La’el, is pronounced “Lah-EL.”
- Biblical Name: His name is Hebrew and translates to “Belonging to God,” given to him by his grandmother.
- Undrafted Shock: He was projected as a top-15 pick and possibly the first offensive lineman taken in the 2015 NFL Draft before an unforeseen legal inquiry caused all teams to pass on him.
- LSU Loyalty: Collins famously turned down an opportunity to enter the NFL Draft after his junior year at LSU to return for his senior season, which proved fruitful, earning him the Jacobs Blocking Trophy.
- Family Man: One of his most well-known acts outside of football was surprising his mother with a new house for Christmas in 2019, fulfilling a long-held dream for his family.
- No Tattoos: He adheres to his mother’s belief against tattoos, choosing to remain tattoo-free.
Controversies
La’el Collins’ career has faced a few notable controversies:
- 2015 NFL Draft Undrafted Status: The most significant controversy occurred just days before the 2015 NFL Draft. Collins was a highly-rated prospect, projected as a first-round pick. However, the Baton Rouge police sought to question him as a “person of interest” in the murder of a pregnant woman he had previously dated. Despite passing a privately administered lie detector test and later a paternity test, and never being named a suspect, the timing of the news caused all 32 NFL teams to pass on drafting him, costing him millions in potential earnings. He was eventually cleared and signed as an undrafted free agent.
- 2021 NFL Suspension: In 2021, while with the Dallas Cowboys, Collins was suspended for five games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, reportedly due to missing seven drug tests and attempting to bribe a test collector. This suspension cost him approximately $2 million in lost wages and voided a $6.48 million injury guarantee. Reports also surfaced about ongoing “maturity issues” and poor weight management during his time with the Cowboys.
- Cincinnati Bengals Release: Collins began his 2023 season with the Bengals on the non-football injury list due to a back issue, and later suffered a season-ending torn ACL and MCL. He was released in September 2023, with reports suggesting a continuation of some of the same fitness and maturity concerns that had surfaced earlier in his career.
Social Media Presence
La’el Collins maintains an active presence on social media platforms, allowing him to connect with fans and share aspects of his life and career. While follower counts can fluctuate, here’s a general overview:
- Instagram: La’el Collins frequently posts updates, often featuring his workouts, family moments, and career highlights. His Instagram presence is a key platform for sharing personal insights.
- X (formerly Twitter): He also uses X to engage with fans, comment on football-related topics, and share news.
- YouTube: While not his primary platform, content featuring La’el Collins, such as game highlights, interviews, and features, can be found on YouTube.
His social media accounts are generally used to project a professional image while also giving glimpses into his personal life, such as his posts about his family.
Final Words about La’el Collins
La’el Collins’ journey in the National Football League has been a testament to resilience and unwavering dedication in the face of significant challenges. From being a highly-touted college prospect whose draft stock plummeted due to an external controversy, he carved out a successful career as a formidable offensive tackle. His ability to adapt and excel, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals, showcased his talent and physical prowess on the offensive line.
Despite periods marked by injuries and off-field issues, Collins has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to his family, exemplified by his heartfelt gesture of buying his mother a new home. As of August 2025, Collins is currently a free agent, having been released by the Dallas Cowboys, following a brief third stint with the team. His future plans in the NFL remain to be seen, but his legacy as a powerful and enduring force on the offensive line, coupled with his personal story of overcoming adversity, is firmly established. Whatever his next steps, La’el Collins will be remembered for his impact on the field and his inspiring personal journey.
