Alex Collins preparing alongside Irish dancers for his performance on CBS's 'Most Valuable Performer' in 2018.CBS Miami, YouTube
Alex Collins, who was at the time a running back for the Baltimore Ravens, gave a spectacular Irish dance performance on the NFL talent show 'MVP: Most Valuable Performer.'
NFL star Alex Collins traded his cleats for some reel shoes when he performed an impressive Irish dance routine to Ed Sheeran's hit 'Galway Girl' during an appearance on the CBS show 'MVP: Most Valuable Player' in 2018.
Collins, a student of the Drake School of Irish Dance in South Florida, appeared with his dance partner Bryanne Gatewood and dancers from Cleary Irish Dance in a routine set to Ed Sheeran's Galway Girl.
Check out this fancy footwork, video courtesy of The Cleary School of Irish Dance and CBS:
Collins has been Irish dancing since 2011 when his high school football coach's daughter challenged him on whether he was quick, nimble, and strong enough to try out Irish dancing.
Much to his surprise, he not only loved it but also recognized how helpful it was for building the strength and conditioning he needs as a football player.
Now, Collins is known for his signature touchdown celebration move: an Irish jig.
His love of Irish dance is also having an impact on younger dancers. In 2017, the mother of a 12-year-old boy who was being bullied about his love of Irish dance reached out to Collins on Twitter.
.@Budda03 Any advice for a 12yr old boy getting bullied for taking Irish dance lessons?Maybe a shoutout to dancer Carl from you would help?
— Joanne Tubbs (@Joannetubbs) October 6, 2017
Never stop doing the things you love because someone else doesnt agree. chase your dreams Carl and don’t let them stop you from being great! https://t.co/T4MI6QQe3h
— Alex Collins (@Budda03) October 7, 2017
Collins sent Carl a strong message of support, and later met him on the sidelines during a Ravens game to offer more words of encouragement:
We hope to see more touchdown jigs and Irish dance performances from him soon!
*Originally published in January 2018, last updated in December 2020.
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