It has been just over a year since former Green Bay Packers safety Nick Collins suffered a frightening season-ending neck injury. It might be the last time we see Collins on an NFL field.
Collins' agent, Alan Herman, told CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora his client likely will be forced to retire.
The specialist who performed Collins' neck surgery advised the ex-Packer to to end his pursuit of an NFL comeback following a recent examination. Collins had been training regularly at IMG Academy in Florida, though that training ceased after the latest examination.
Collins was injured Sept. 18, 2011, while attempting to make a tackle against the Carolina Panthers. Collins remained down for several minutes before being carted off the field. The injury required surgery on a herniated disk in his neck.
The Packers have struggled to fill Collins' void in their secondary. It wasn't so long ago that the three-time Pro Bowl safety was returning an interception for a touchdown in the Super Bowl. Collins had 21 career interceptions, returning three for touchdowns in 2008.
It now appears he'll be forced to take his life in a different direction.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @danhanzus.
