Former Packers safety Nick Collins announces retirement

Former Green Bay Packers safety Nick Collins has announced his retirement from the NFL. Collins has not played in an NFL game since Week 2 of the 2011 season after sustaining a neck injury that required fusion surgery.

Former Green Bay Packers safety Nick Collins has announced his retirement from the NFL.

On Wednesday, Collins tweeted "I'm officially announced my retirement from the #NFL. I also would like to thank my family, friends, and the Packer Nation for the love and support."

Collins has not played in an NFL game since Week 2 of the 2011 season after sustaining a neck injury that required fusion surgery. The Packers released him in 2012 after doctors would not clear him to play, but in February, Collins said he was "100 percent healed" and looking to return to the league. 

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In his six seasons before the injury, Collins was named to the Pro Bowl three times and won Super Bowl XLV with the Packers. 

His best season came in 2008, when he co-led the NFC with seven interceptions and led the NFL with three touchdowns and 295 interception return yards.

The 31-year-old finishes his career with 21 interceptions and 417 tackles. 

- Molly Geary