Cecil vs. The Diesel: The Cecil Collins Story

Cecil Collins is perhaps the biggest "what if" story in the history of LSU Football.
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[@petepyeatt6909]

Finally! Best RB I’ve ever seen.

[@courtneesdad]

Wow. This is better than any ESPN series. I am glad to see he is doing great things. I was in law enforcement over 30 years and worked in the federal system. You very seldom see these success stories. I’m glad LSU recognized him on the sidelines 👏👏. Great story guys ❤️

[@deesee2051]

I mean ESPN did this story years ago

[@jacquesdoucet1124]

@@deesee2051 hardly in this much detail, depth and quality. So no, they really didn't do this story years ago.

[@rodbender2910]

LSU needs to bring him in EVERY year to speak with their recruits and players! I think it would make the program more appealing and set these young men up for success after the game!

[@natelandry845]

I think he still on jail on Florida for Breaking and Entering

[@JoJoWoody]

@@natelandry845 he was released in 2013...watch the end

[@trulypoortbreezy1829]

As Alabama fan I needed this. I live Cecil’s life but I have a burning desire to find the lord and do better it’s just a tough road

[@oreospeedwaggindoesamerica6078]

I’ve been watching football and especially LSU football for 50 years and he was the best player I had ever seen! So when everything happened it was the biggest disappointment ever and so many what ifs! I’m really glad to see him happy, married and living a happy life. This was freaking awesome!! I could have watched 2-3 hours of this and hated for it to end.

[@donsspecialty3961]

Fantastic documentary! Cecil is a perfect example of how pride can lead one to the road of destruction, but humility can restore one's soul and bring back one's heart back to God. The latter is the more powerful man in the end.

[@theknightswhosay]

Hard to believe how little he actually played. I still remember it vividly. I’m glad he’s doing well. Can’t be bitter about lost opportunities.

[@made4tv235]

Loved this story and happy for Cecil and his Family ! GEAUX TIGERS!

[@gabepeterson4420]

May God Bless this man and continue to use him to do His work 🙏🏻

[@geraldkneeland1498]

Amen!!! God has a plan and is using Cecil to carry out His plan🙌🙌

[@extendedfilmproject6789]

Well done WAFB. Well produced. We need more of this!!!

[@ReaLouisianimal]

For those who don't know, this is my A1 brother. I'm so glad this film was finally put together. I've been waiting a long time for this, and I love my Dude till the end. He knows!!!

[@ricklyle3739]

I’m a lifetime WarEagle but I still remember when we played LSU that night he was a man among boys. The ONLY way we win that 1997 game is the LSU coach decides to throw it on 3rd down and short with 3 minutes left in the 4th quarter, Cecil was averaging close to 8 yds a carry, and hallelujah it’s incomplete. Prime example of how coaching decisions can decide whether you win or lose. Belated thank you to coach Dinardo!

[@1AllenBlack]

So happy to come across this as an LSU fan. Was also a Dolphin fan back in the day. We didn't have many good LSU football years in the 90's. Still remember Cecil from watching the AU game. Always rooting for him back in the day and now more than ever. Shed a few tears...

[@melodybenedicwalsh7997]

Jacques, this was SUCH a great story. So emotional and empowering. God bless Cecil! #GeauxTigers #ForeverLSU 💜💛🐯

[@Mike-gz4tj]

Son of a b*tch. Im balling like a freakin baby. What a story. I was at that MS ST game. I was 27. Being an LSU fan was tough during the eighties and most of the nineties. K-Faulk was and is one of my favorite Tigas but it was just different watching Cecil. And then he was gone. Like a dream. You wake up confused just trying to comprehend what you just saw. It's really great to learn the rest of his story. The most impressive part to me is how he doesn't hide from his past. He doesn't blame others for his mistakes. He recognizes AND appreciates the people who tried to help him as he lost his way. And Kudos to Faulk and the others that continued to support him when he was in prison. The fact that this dude that he competed with. An All-American. An LSU legend that in all likelihood was about to lose his job to Collins, became one of his best supporters. Just an all around heartwarming and inspiring story.

[@ThinkXnet]

This was a great story kudos WAFB and congrats to Cecil for his perseverance! Look forward to seeing his son play one day.

[@tonyjunior2950]

Outstanding work guys.

[@dthomas2233]

Well done, Jacque and Team! Amazing work! You really can see that Cecil's life is changed for the better. Geaux Tigers!!!

[@oleheat]

So happy to see he's chosen the right path in life. People can change. Glad to to know he became the man many knew he could be.

[@tjhanlonjr]

Wow this was the best feeling and best documentary I have ever seen. He is an inspiration on how to change your life.

[@andreetwodat9054]

Well done Jacques and Derron!

[@dawniedawn3910]

Love you Big Bro!! ALWAYS!!! This was so good. Sent it to your nephew! So very proud Cec'!!God is good and so are you!!To My sis Elena you are beautiful inside and out!!💜

[@Davej6434]

Great Documentary! #foreverLSU🐯💜💛

[@marcopolo3722]

Great job, being from Baton Rouge I can remember being a teenager and watching Cecil like man, he was mershawn lynch before mershawn. To see him doing well and taken accountability for his actions back then is a heart warming. Made my night

[@dirtyd2099]

Being from leesville, we were so happy for him to make it as far as he did. We hated playing scrimage games against him though...lol.

[@LastStopWaterfowlOutdoors]

This was awesome! Loved this with every fiber in my body. So happy for Cecil and his family. True redemption story. Forever LSU!

[@jimschultz2179]

Leesville’s finest, my brother graduated from leesville. I went through 5th grade. Great memories. I would have been in Cecil’s class.

[@darrenjones1691]

A lifetime LSU fan no doubt, this is one of the greatest stories I ve witnessed! I m glad this was presented and even more excited to enjoy Cecil's journey. God is an unbelievable God and I m Glad he got ahold of Cecil. God bless thks fa sharing amen.

[@mpr8356]

God bless you Cecil, I was high jumping at McNeese when you were there, never gotta chance to meet you. May God continue to bless you brother. We love you👊🏾👊🏾👊🏾

[@hudsonpressurewashinginc.4237]

This was an awesome documentary. Proud of how you overcame all of the odds, Cecil. Keep your Trust in The Man Up Above and your family. The sky is the limit, and your best days are definitely ahead of you!!! 1❤, Rodney O. Once A Tiger Always A Tiger!!! #Tigers4Life

[@mrlsujackson1177]

Wat a great story an wat a great man LSU family proud of u Cecil !!!

[@rickyedwardconn5072]

Cecil I love you my man. Been through lots of struggles myself. #24 Ricky Conn

[@gloriamoore6266]

What a remarkable young man! It's not always how you start, but how you finish! Awesome documentary. May God continue to Bless Cecil Collins & his family🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@jackk4295]

Awesome story, glad Cecil is doing great!!!!!

[@Stonecoldjunkie]

I remember going to see him play when they came in town in Alexandria This dude was a beast

[@ChrisTreadaway]

Awesome job. Really glad he's turned his life around.

[@juliemoss6175]

Wow! Cecil the Diesel was, and still is, AWESOME!

[@ernestriley2857]

This is an awesome story, I’m so glad he and his family is doing well, this story is such a blessing and inspiration! Thanks WAFB

[@GladiatorWC]

I remember Cecil, though I was tucked away on the west coast when he popped up in recruiting/college magazines. What a player he was. To see his name and story pop up on my feed took me back to that game vs auburn. its like it was yesterday. Initially watching this I felt sorrow for him, but that all changed when I seen his redemption in Christ. I’ve previously gone through a rough patch a few short years back the reconnected with Christ and I feel amazing. Feel like this story found me for a reason. Good luck to you Cecil. Stats sometimes lie. ONE OF THE GREATEST TO DO IT.

[@markangelou9368]

Good to see him happy

[@mjgaudin623]

Great job! Amazing story. Thanks for bringing it to us.

[@LifeUser]

We had contracts with schools in Louisiana and I was on campuses around La. I saw Kevin Faulk at Carencro HS and a few years later at Leesville HS I decided to stay for practice on afternoon to watch Cecil. There were coaches from all over America there watching him. I decided to pay my own hotel and stay to watch a game. Wow, it was something amazing. What happened to him happens to so many great players. The greatest story though is how is changed his life.

[@bengalroku8210]

THANKS JD! Diesel was amazing, thanks for sharing the rest of his story.

[@deakon071]

I've been waiting for a long time for somebody to cover this guy and always wondered what became of him. I was just a kid when he was dominating but he was amazing to watch. One of a kind player and story. Great video.

[@marklake2]

GREAT job on this story!!!! SO gad The Diesel is doing so well now!

[@curtisck813]

I cant believe that the usher at my church was this cold blooded....woww..and I sit behind him at church, humble and so down to earth...luv this brother!!!

[@nthrLvzn]

Thank you for this!... I was a high school student/athlete at that time. Cecil was an inspiration to me! #facts

[@markjefferson2434]

As phins fan I was upset! But now; couldn’t be more happier for him! God bless you brother! 💪🏾

[@candiceparker1447]

Wow this is something that I never thought I would ever see. I’m happy to see that you are happy and enjoying life with your family.

[@Beanmachine9198]

Just awesome JD, you and Derron hit that out the park

[@jamesnathanandrus2021]

His high school Coach is a real one!!!! Raw emotion & pride for where this man is at in his life and I concur!!!!💯

[@marshmellow3110]

I was a Sophomore at LSU for Cecil’s season. Was on the field after the Florida win and have seen more games in tiger stadium than I can remember and still, that Auburn game was the craziest I’ve ever seen the crowd. Glad he turned his life around and hope he continues on this path.

[@pdabarber]

I remember meeting Cecil while I was in army... good dude

[@clarenceleblanc3243]

That's my dawg.... Love you homie...

[@ScottyRoy]

Well done Mr. Doucet!!! I really enjoyed this and so happy to hear that Cecil is doing great. Man what could have been but just glad he overcame it and is a better man now! Geaux Tigahs!!!!

[@bleedingstar1011]

Great job with this, Jacques (and everyone else involved)!

[@hoffpauirconcrete.semperfidCC]

Great job on this one guys very good documentary

[@quadfather_]

Great story. Thank you for sharing Cecil's update on life

[@thomasvstewartjr300]

Kiss&Tell I was in love with this man. I can lie about it. So happy to see him happy. Boy!

[@DavidPierre-zm5qq]

I think he can try a comeback for the NFL this year. He is working out for one more chance. 49ers could use a rb like him

[@carolynrobinson1838]

This was a great😊. WAFB did an excellent job. The story is so touching and a good testimony. I think everyone should make their young men, so they can see what can happen with bad decisions. Keep doing good Cecil 👏🏽 God has more blessings coming your way.🙌🏽

[@marcusjohnson5420]

I grew up about 2 hours from leesville and dude is the best I have ever seen PERIOD. Homie just couldn’t stay out of trouble

[@deanmarten]

Good for him. So happy to hear this. He's a good dude now.

[@esimpson31828]

I’m FROM SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA AND I PLAYED HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FROM 1998- 2001, AND I WAS THE STARTING VARSITY RUNNING BACK FROM MY SOPHOMORE YEAR TO MY SENIOR YEAR! KEVIN FAULK AND CECIL COLLINS ARE LEGENDS IN LOUISIANA!!! MY OLDER BROTHER GERALD SIMPSON WAS ALL STATE HONORABLE MENTION AT RUNNING BACK BUT LOST OUT TO KEVIN FAULK! MUCH LOVE TO BOTH OF THEM💯💯

[@kingjahk1]

A great man story. More than just a cautionary tale. A true testimony of greatness.

[@thatgirlzk]

GO DAD 🩷🩷🩷

[@Hypeboy23]

This your dad fr?

[@robertgray1214]

Dam you're beautiful

[@chriss4061]

That’s your daddy?

[@OFFICIALSTRAKER]

Was at Desoto with your dad Cecile, humble person and really cool on the compound.Hope he’s doing good

[@ScrewedUpClick8900]

​@@chriss406131:56 pictures look like she the real deal

[@lueezy5528]

Always great learning and watching LSU history! 💛🐅💜

[@Mr.DugasYoutube]

This was awesome!!!

[@mdotnelson]

Leesville, Louisiana

[@agsecurity345]

God bless you and your family 👪 my brother 🙏 ❤️ 💙 it's not how you start but how you Finnish

[@jamesduhon2595]

I remember he rushed for over 3000 yards and 40+ touchdowns his senior year in high school. GEAUX TIGERS!!

[@firecwby1999]

Cecil, I don't know if you will read this, but thank you for taking the opportunity to become a light into a dark world. Please continue to be that light.

[@Paul-uc8qj]

I was in Tiger Stadium in 1997 when Cecil played against the Akron Zips. What I saw that night was a phenomena. True, the opponent was Akron, but I was astounded at the way Cecil ran through the Akron defense, like it wasn't there. And then, Cecil was gone. LSU has some great backs, so I really didn't think about what happened. Watching this story explained a lot and was a very sad tale of what could have been. So glad that Cecil has put his life together with a wonderful wife and family. Geaux Tigers!

[@coffeecommunityculture9060]

This was so good! Happy Ending… Proud of you Cecil! God Bless you, man!

[@garystanford5951]

Great Story .. Once A Tiger .. Always A Tiger .. True Life Story and Thanks For Sharing . GEAUX TIGERS ! 🐅💜💛💯

[@VirginiaSmith-y6k]

Proud Of you Bro ..A changed Man ..

[@markangelou9368]

God bless Cecil Collins

[@DavidWallaceSr]

Thank you for sharing your story, Brother! This gives so many people hope and knowledge that God our Father can turn any bad situation around. Thank You Again!

[@carldunn9415]

Great job on this documentary

[@RollTide-y2t]

Cecil was nasty. Best rb I've EVER seen or played with. Most N & S running back.

[@wildman4126]

WOW! such a good story. Glad Cecil had the opportunity to tell it. I remember playing against him in high school and how amazingly talented he was. Even though we lost against him, watching him run was amazing. I am super happy he has got his life together and he is living a good life with his family and he had Christ Jesus in his life. God Bless you Cecil Collins.

[@rogerwelsh2335]

What an inspiring story. Even before prison he came off as a deep down good dude.

[@robbylafont]

I still remember that game against Auburn….been an LSU fan ever since….

[@albuterol71]

What a wonderful story!! Well done Cecil!!❤

[@Therealmontana52]

Great story great testimony my brother in Christ at the Bell

[@bradhamilton8542]

I've always wondered what happened to Cecil. I'm glad to see he seems to be doing good.

[@tyronegaines3972]

I’m a Florida State fan that grew up in Louisiana and always wondered what happened to Cecil!! I still remember him breaking one run straight up the middle on some team and it was like he was shot out a cannon!!

[@johnfontenot7861]

Im so happy things have turned out well for him.

[@jadamlsu]

Great job just Wish he would have givin us some stats. Cecil vs Akron 185 yds Vs auburn 235 yards Vs miss st 185 yards

[@RealDeeZ337]

🙌🙌‼️ Praise God!

[@keithmcbride4408]

Man this is an awesome story! Praise god

[@johndor7890]

Great video. During this period of time, LSU used a dietician who utilized grains and beans to an extreme with the theory that natural protein would enable the athlete to have more resistance to fatigue, especially later in games. While it may have worked, an unintended consequence was excessive gas and this caused numerous athletes to have gas constantly and was a constant issue for the team. This was not normal gas, but life interrupting gas that is extremely uncomfortable and can cause intestinal bloating and discomfort

[@KingLuckyMoney]

Proud of him

[@Psi-lent_Rage]

Great work!

[@Familyman617]

Great story Mr. Doucet, well done! 👏

[@robbyrobinson4500]

Coulda changed his whole families life. I'm from Louisiana and was a huge fan. Dude was inctedable

[@edl1973]

Good stuff. I remember well. I was at Auburn game when he went off. The 90's were crazy for LSU football.

[@jamescollins5224]

VERY PROUD OF YOU SON, GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME AND ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD.

[@guyfawkes62]

Good job WAFB

[@cedrickwashington7843]

Outstanding!!!!!