Jags' Collier shot in early-morning incident

Posted: Tue Sep 2 10:01 AM

Jacksonville, FL (Sports Network) - Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Richard Collier was shot early Tuesday morning while outside an apartment complex.

"We're shocked and deeply saddened by this morning's news about Richard Collier," said Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver. "We have been informed that Richard has had surgery and he's in critical but stable condition. The entire Jaguars family is praying for Richard and his family at this time."

The Florida Times-Union reported Tuesday that Collier, 26, and his former Jaguars teammate Kenneth Pettway had been out at clubs on Monday night into Tuesday morning, and were following two women they had met back to an apartment complex to continue their evening together.

According to the Times-Union, while the men waited in a Cadillac Escalade for the women to return from the apartment, someone walked up and fired several times at Collier, who was driving. Pettway was not injured, according to the paper.

It is unknown if there was one or multiple assailants, and there is no known motive for the shooting, according to the paper.

Collier is in his third season with the Jaguars. He appeared in four games with one start for Jacksonville last season, and is listed on the Jaguars' depth chart as Khalif Barnes' backup at left offensive tackle. Collier was also expected to play on special teams for the club.

The Valdosta State product was arrested in November 2007 by Jacksonville police for driving under the influence.

Pettway, a 25-year-old reserve defensive end entering his fourth season in the league out of Grambling, was released by the Jaguars on Saturday.

Collier is the third NFL player to be shot in less than two years. Washington safety Sean Taylor was fatally shot in his Miami home last November and Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams was killed after leaving a nightclub in January, 2007.