WASHINGTON, D.C. – 20 years after cementing his name in Eastern Kentucky University lore as a consensus All-American punter and kicker in 1995, Eternal Colonel, Marc Collins' name is now cemented in United States history as he receives The President's Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday, August 9.
 
The President's Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest level of recognition given to American civilians who have dedicated over 4,000 hours to volunteer service and community impact.
 
Collins is receiving the honor in recognition of his work as President of the Cincinnati chapter of the National Football League Players' Association (NFLPA), beginning as interim president in 2020 through two two-year terms beginning in 2021 till this year, as he now serves as Vice President for the current President and fellow Eternal Colonel, David Wilkins.

In addition to his current role as Vice President with the NFLPA Cincinnati chapter, Collins is in his second year of being one of nine members on the NFLPA's Former Player Advisory Board.
 
"One of the main things we do as a chapter is to try to connect with and serve as many former NFL players as possible," Collins said. "A lot of times, guys who played in the league do not know what benefits they are entitled to, so we want to connect and educate them on that, and help them in that process, as well as give them a space where they can connect with other players and share that common bond."
 
The process was not a simple one, however, as Collins and others had their work cut out for them when they first joined the Cincinnati chapter.

 

"When I first started going, the chapter was essentially dead," Collins said. "It was about five to six guys that would hold chapter meetings at an Olive Garden in Middletown, Ohio, every so often. As time went on, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and the current president at the time had to go overseas for work… The leadership at the time then called me and told me they wanted me to be the interim."
 
Just as he did at EKU, Collins took his opportunity and made the most of it, revitalizing the dormant chapter, being elected as full-time president in March of 2021 while Collins and the chapter were recognized as the NFLPA's Chapter of the Year that same year.
 
While under his leadership, Collins oversaw a massive increase in active membership while also spearheading non-profit service initiatives through the chapter's non-profit organization, Former Pro Players Cincinnati.
 
An organization that "exists to unite and empower former professional athletes in the Cincinnati area by fostering community engagement, mutual support, and purposeful impact. Through charitable outreach, mentorship, and advocacy, we are dedicated to uplifting underserved communities, promoting youth development, and advancing the health, wellness, and post-career success of our members. Together, we honor our past, support each other in the present, and inspire future generations."
 
The organization has teamed up with other service organizations over the years, supporting the Sam Hubbard Foundation, Autism Rocks, Madi's House, Colerain Veterans, and Operation Ramp It Up, a non-profit that builds ADA accessible ramps for veterans.
 
"I have been blessed to be a part of a lot of great service projects through this group," said Collins. "One that will always stick out is one we partnered with Operation Ramp It Up to build a ramp for a 104-year-old World War II veteran who served at the Normandy invasion. It doesn't get better than that. Being able to give back to a person like that is something special."
 
Before his work in the non-profit space and with the NFLPA, Collins' journey began in Erlanger, Kentucky, where he was born and raised, attending Lloyd Memorial High School, where he was a three-sport athlete lettering in football, basketball, and tennis.
 
His ability to boom the ball downfield and through uprights as a kicker and punter earned him a place with the Colonels in 1992, beginning a legendary career.
 
As a Colonel, he led EKU in scoring in the 1993 and '94 seasons with 76 and 80 points respectively, as EKU claimed conference titles both seasons, earning First Team All-OVC honors in 1994 and 1995 when he was named a consensus All-American and the league's special teams player of the year.
 
In 1995, Collins and the Colonels led all of I-AA (now FCS) in punting average and net punting, setting the school record for punting average in a season at 42.3 yards, a record that stood for 18 years.
 
Collins' legendary career earned him a spot on EKU's All-Century Team in 2009, where he was one of only two specialists, along with Dale Dawson, who were named to the historic all-time team.
 
Beyond all the success and memories on the field and under the lights of Roy Kidd Stadium, it is the lessons Collins learned off the field that he gives just as much credit to for his success after leaving Richmond.
 
"I cannot say enough about my time at EKU; it was such a great experience," Collins said. "It's given me a brotherhood I still get to share to this day with guys from around the country, and even inside of our NFLPA chapter. Coach Kidd was such an influence on so many people, and one thing that stood out to me even then was how he listened to people, particularly his players. That's one of the many reasons he's the Hall of Famer that he is. He also instilled discipline, not just to be a better player but to be a better person… which leads to being a better husband, father, and so much more, and he will always have a place in my heart and in the hearts of the guys who played for him because of that."
 
That discipline and ability to listen have carried over for Collins well past his playing days, aiding him to where he is now, a President's Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
 
"I was once given early on a platform on the field," Collins said. "Now it's a platform to help others, and if I can help anyone by listening or helping them in any way, I want to do that. I am a believer from my time at EKU that you get out what you put in, and it's great to see good things coming out now."