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Leroy Collins, Jr. was a standout running back at Alfred State College and continued his collegiate career at the University of Louisville. After going undrafted in the 1999 NFL draft, Collins was signed by the Washington Redskins, then cut, and later signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars for their practice squad. Collins was even drafted by the Las Vegas Outlaws in the XFL which was an experimental league owned by WWE’s Vince McMahon. Sounds like a lot of ups and downs, right? That’s nothing compared to what Collins faced as a young boy.When Leroy Collins, Jr. was 6 years old he was in a very serious car accident. He broke 14 bones including his legs and arms, died for 8 minutes on the way to the hospital and spent 2 months in a coma. Collins had to relearn many of life’s “givens.” He had to learn how to talk and walk all over. From then on though, Collins knew he could overcome anything.After his playing days, Collins went back to school and received his master’s degree in Sports Management. He applied to multiple roles at both the collegiate and professional football level but fell short on experience. Once again, Collins found a way to overcome an obstacle and went a different route. Syracuse, NY doesn’t have a football team at any level besides college, Collins saw that the talent was there and took a chance. The Syracuse Strong was created and is set to join the Empire Football League this summer. The Empire Football League is an east coast semi-pro football league that has been around for 100 years. The league consists of 6 teams at the moment and prides itself on higher standards. “The Empire Football League strides to portray themselves as being professionals and strives for excellence. I chose them as a league to join because I have the same way of thinking,” Collins added.Collins went with the name Strong because it symbolizes unity. He wants the team to be more than just football and help in the community as well. They will hold football camps for youth, visit local hospitals, and look to partner up with big charities like Habitat for Humanity and the United Way. The Strong will also be a part of Get Fit Syracuse, which is a health program that will show children and adults how to live a healthy lifestyle.From his horrific car accident as a child to being undrafted and then cut, Collins has overcome adversity throughout his whole life. He wants to be able to use the Syracuse Strong as a way to help players overcome their own adversity. “This is a way to develop kids right out of college or young players, this can get them noticed” Collins stated. Collins added, “I want to help players get past their own challenges and help them tap into their talent.” His message is pretty clear, never give up because there’s always a way to accomplish goals.
Leo believes in what he called the "F3" workout which is faith, family and fitness.
Leo incorporates these three variables into his kick-hopping workouts and gives his heart and soul to his students. Leo is passionate about fitness and has always motivated people with his energy and enthusiasm since he was a kid. Leo views himself as a thermostat and changes the environment wherever he goes.Leo has trained celebrities including Aswan North, the lead singer of an alternative pop rock band founded by Randy Jackson called, "Paper Tongues." Leo has also made two workout DVDs (Leo Wright's Five Borough Workout DVD series - Volume 1 and 2. Most recently in 2014, Leo released a third DVD which is a 3 part series of Kick-hopping incorporating: pure cardio kick-hopping, a kick-hopping butt blast and a 15 minute beast mode intense kick-hopping workout. Leo has also done fitness modeling for Nike.
Leo makes it a habit to give back to the community and Fitness the Wright Way has partnered with Healthfirst (an insurance company) to promote healthy living and lifestyles for their employees and in the communities. Leo is Healthfirst's fitness ambassador, personal trainer and group fitness expert. Leo travels throughout the tri-state area representing Healthfirst at different events to promote wellness including: Circle of Sisters, Bronx Harmony Day with the NYPD, St. John's Health Expo, and the American Diabetes Association Expo at the Jacob Javits Center. Leo also goes into the inner city communities and promotes fitness as Healthfirst's ambassador at events such as: PS 155 Plant Day, PS 55 Back to School Event, Harlem Wellness Event, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration, and Brownville Wellness.
Most recently Leo won Fitorflop Season 3 - an online reality series to find America's Next Fitness Star. Leo's high-energy kick-hopping workout, charismatic and motivational personality make him great for TV. He's passionate about helping others stay healthy and meet their fitness goals.You can catch a brand new Kick-hopping class at Power Studios (55th Street and 3rd Ave), NYC's newest chic boutique fitness studio on Monday nights at 7:30pm and Thursday nights at 6:30PM.
Leo believes in what he called the "F3" workout which is faith, family and fitness.
Leo incorporates these three variables into his kick-hopping workouts and gives his heart and soul to his students. Leo is passionate about fitness and has always motivated people with his energy and enthusiasm since he was a kid. Leo views himself as a thermostat and changes the environment wherever he goes.Leo has trained celebrities including Aswan North, the lead singer of an alternative pop rock band founded by Randy Jackson called, "Paper Tongues." Leo has also made two workout DVDs (Leo Wright's Five Borough Workout DVD series - Volume 1 and 2. Most recently in 2014, Leo released a third DVD which is a 3 part series of Kick-hopping incorporating: pure cardio kick-hopping, a kick-hopping butt blast and a 15 minute beast mode intense kick-hopping workout. Leo has also done fitness modeling for Nike.
Leo makes it a habit to give back to the community and Fitness the Wright Way has partnered with Healthfirst (an insurance company) to promote healthy living and lifestyles for their employees and in the communities. Leo is Healthfirst's fitness ambassador, personal trainer and group fitness expert. Leo travels throughout the tri-state area representing Healthfirst at different events to promote wellness including: Circle of Sisters, Bronx Harmony Day with the NYPD, St. John's Health Expo, and the American Diabetes Association Expo at the Jacob Javits Center. Leo also goes into the inner city communities and promotes fitness as Healthfirst's ambassador at events such as: PS 155 Plant Day, PS 55 Back to School Event, Harlem Wellness Event, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration, and Brownville Wellness.
Most recently Leo won Fitorflop Season 3 - an online reality series to find America's Next Fitness Star. Leo's high-energy kick-hopping workout, charismatic and motivational personality make him great for TV. He's passionate about helping others stay healthy and meet their fitness goals.You can catch a brand new Kick-hopping class at Power Studios (55th Street and 3rd Ave), NYC's newest chic boutique fitness studio on Monday nights at 7:30pm and Thursday nights at 6:30PM.
