CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Students, parents and teachers at West Charlotte High School remembered a man they called a natural motivator. Mo Collins was a coach who truly cared for the students and players.
"Everybody liked him," said J.D. Owen.
Owen graduated last year and now takes pictures at the Lions football games, where you'd see head coach Collins on the sidelines.
READ MORE: West Charlotte football coach dies suddenly
When he heard Collins died from an illness at 38 years old, Owen was sad for the whole school and said that Collins was all about the kids.
"He'd just make you feel like you were important," Owen said. "He brought the pride back to West Charlotte."
Collins, a former NFL player for the Oakland Raiders, was just named head coach at West Charlotte High in February after serving as an assistant coach for the Lions last season.
He spoke then about his Lion pride and being excited to lead the team.
"I'm fully committed to this, I'm here. I'm home! Now all I'm doing is challenging all my fans, alumni and neighbors to come on out and show that support, show that love," Collins said at the time.
After hearing word of Collins passing Sunday, the Oakland Raiders posted a picture on Twitter, saying: "The Raiders extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mo Collins who passed away today."
Condolences were shared across the country for a coach who will be missed.
"You're pretty lucky for one to come back home and coach his old high school," said parent Wendell Simmons. "He will be missed."
All Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools junior varsity and varsity football teams will observe a moment of silence this Thursday and Friday. The same moment will be observed at some private schools in Charlotte as well.
During the West Charlotte High School Varsity football game this Friday, a special dedication will be conducted during half-time.
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