Gary Collins

Gary James Collins (born August 20, 1940) was an American professional football player who served as a wide receiver and punter for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League from 1962 to 1971. Born in Williamstown, Pennsylvania, he attended Williamstown High School before being recruited by the University of Maryland. Across three seasons with the Maryland Terrapins from 1959 to 1961, he set a number of school records and left his mark on the Atlantic Coast Conference record book as well, finishing eighth in the 1961 Heisman Trophy balloting.

The Browns selected Collins with the fourth pick of the 1962 NFL draft and immediately installed him as their starting punter, while using him as a reserve behind veteran receiver Ray Renfro. In 1963 he moved into the starting lineup, leading the team with 43 receptions and teaming with quarterback Frank Ryan to pace the league with 13 touchdown catches. That total broke the team record of nine, set by Dante Lavelli in 1947. The following year, rookie Paul Warfield emerged as Ryan's top receiver. Collins spent his entire ten-year professional career with Cleveland, retiring after the 1971 season.