Created: 9/29/2008 3:29:49 PM 
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A hospital room crowded with Jacksonville Jaguars and media turned somber when the agent for Richard Collier broke the tragic news.
"It is with my deepest regret that Collier's career with the NFL is over," said Jeff Jankovich.
Collier has been in the hospital since a shooting early September 2 outside a home in Riverside.
He and a former Jaguars player had been out clubbing and had stopped to wait on two women who went inside a home briefly.
A man walked up to the Cadillac Escalade with Collier sitting inside and opened fire. Police say the gunman targeted Collier. Former Jaguars player Kenneth Pettway walked away unharmed.
Doctors at Shands Jacksonville on Monday finally revealed the extent of Collier's injuries, which his family wanted to keep out of the media until Collier himself could understand what happened to him, and the future he faced.
"His family wanted to keep the situation under wraps so that Richard would be the first to know," said Jankovich.
Dr. Andy Kerwin said Collier got shot 14 times, his life in critical danger on the morning he arrived at Shands. Two bullets hit Collier's lower spine, paralyzing him from the waist down.
Collier later developed a blood clot in his leg. Doctors had to amputate part of his left leg above the knee.
"It's a great tragedy for a young man, to have such a bright future, at the top of the food chain, to have not only his career but his health taken away," said Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio.
The news hit Collier and his family hard.
"Extreme grief," said Jankovich. "Now Richard has a very difficult journey ahead of him, but he is up to the challenge. His spirits are positive and he has a lot of support from his family and friends."
Collier's teammates heard of his condition at a team meeting.
"Knowing that he's alive meant a lot to us," said lineman Tony Pashos. "We were terrified he might die."
Doctors say what Collier needs now is a lot of support.
"We're going to be there for him whenever he needs it," said lineman Uche Nwaneri.
Collier has a degree in communications, and once he gets past rehabilitation, his agent says he plans to get into either coaching, do community work, or own a business.
Collier could be released from hospital soon. Doctors wouldn't say exactly when for security reasons.
The investigation is ongoing. Police do not have any suspects. Investigators have not released any details as a possible description of the gunman.
First Coast Crime Stoppers says there is a $25,000 reward in the case.
Just call our partner at 1-866-845-TIPS. You will remain anonymous.
