Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys' La'el Collins talks about his first NFL start

Published Sep. 29, 2015 2:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

It didn't take long for Dallas Cowboys undrafted rookie free agent La'el Collins to step in as a starter on the offensive line. Filling in for an injured Ronald Leary, Collins started and played the entire game at left guard in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons.

"Oh man, it was unbelievable being in a dome with nothing but Cowboys fans screaming," Collins said to Brandon George of the Dallas News, per Sports Day. "Everybody was having a good time. It was amazing."

It has been quite the journey for Collins to get to where he is now. After originally being billed as a top-15 draft prospect overall, a tricky police case that had Collins' name tied to it cause the rookie to go undrafted. His name was cleared from the case soon after the draft's conclusion, and he proceeded to sign as an undrafted free agent with the Cowboys.

Collins' fondest memory from his first NFL regular season start came on the very first play of the game. The offensive line sprung running back Joseph Randle for a 28-yard gain off of the left side -- where Collins lines up.

"That felt great," Collins said. "We did a good job of the front side covering up our guys and the back side did a good job getting their backside cut off and the ball hit right where it was supposed to hit."

(h/t Sports Day)