Michael Collier’s wife, Lisa, remembers their 40-year journey of love, family, and sports.
Highlights
- Michael Collier had a short but impactful NFL career, helping the Pittsburgh Steelers win Super Bowl X as a rookie before injuries altered his trajectory and led to three seasons with the Buffalo Bills.
- After his football career, Collier prioritized family and community, working as a grocery store manager while coaching youth sports and participating in charitable events until his retirement in 2021.
- Michael and Lisa Collier maintained a 40-year marriage that spanned his entire post-college life, raising three children and welcoming six grandchildren while building their life together in Hagerstown, Maryland.
Michael Jerome Collier (September 21, 1953 – February 16, 2025) made his mark in professional football as a talented running back in the National Football League.
He began his NFL journey with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1975.
Collier quickly proved his worth as a rookie, scoring three rushing touchdowns during a championship season. His contributions helped the Steelers secure victory in Super Bowl X.
He later signed with the Buffalo Bills, where he played for three more seasons before retiring from professional football.
After his NFL career, Collier returned to his home state of Maryland. He managed a Martin’s grocery store in Hagerstown.
He also dedicated his time to coaching local youth in football, basketball, and baseball until his retirement in 2021.
Collier maintained connections with the Steelers organization throughout his life, participating in autograph signings and fan events whenever possible.
Collier attended Morgan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education.
He was a proud member of the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity. His athletic talents at Morgan State led to his selection in the 14th round of the 1975 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Michael Collier’s Wife, Lisa, Stood by His Side for 40 Years Through Football and Family Life
Lisa Benningfield Collier stood by Michael’s side for 40 years as his devoted wife and life partner.
Originally from Hodgenville, Kentucky, Lisa made her home with Michael in Hagerstown, Maryland.
She attended North Hagerstown High School and later worked at Spielman Title Service.
Lisa provided unwavering support throughout Michael’s football career and his subsequent professional endeavors.
She shared in his triumphs on the field, including his Super Bowl championship with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
When injuries temporarily halted his playing career, Lisa stood by him as he pursued teaching, and later, when he transitioned to his post-NFL life.
Together, Lisa and Michael built a loving family. They raised three children: Mike (married to Kristen), Tiffani, and Jerome Collier.
Their family expanded to include six grandchildren: Jaylin, Mac, Kenadee, Adalynn, Charlie, and Baylee Collier.
Family time held special importance for the Colliers. Michael particularly enjoyed watching football with his family.
Lisa helped create a warm home environment where their children and grandchildren could gather and thrive.
Lisa also shared in Michael’s community involvement. While Michael coached youth sports and participated in charitable autograph signings, Lisa supported these efforts.
When Michael passed away on February 16, 2025, at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown at age 71, Lisa faced the difficult task of saying goodbye to her husband of four decades.
She joined their children, grandchildren, and extended family in mourning his loss.
Lisa continues to live in Hagerstown, Maryland. She carries forward Michael’s legacy of sportsmanship, community service, and family devotion.
Their story represents a partnership that weathered the unique challenges of professional sports, career transitions, and family life.
Their four decades together encompassed the excitement of NFL championships, the joys of raising children and welcoming grandchildren, and the satisfaction of community service.
Additional Information
- During his injury reserve year in 1976, Collier taught physical education at the Talmudical Academy (also known as Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim) in Baltimore.
- In the Super Bowl against the Cowboys, Collier made a crucial 25-yard fourth-quarter kick return that helped set up a go-ahead field goal for the Steelers, contributing significantly to their championship victory.
- Collier was born in Baltimore to parents Doris and Sylvan Collier Sr. and had several siblings, including three brothers (Cecil, Jimmy, and Sylvan Jr.) and a sister named Bernadine Harris.
