Cris Collinsworth Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Cris Collinsworth

Anthony Cris Collinsworth, widely recognized as Cris Collinsworth, is an accomplished American former professional football player and an acclaimed sports broadcaster. After a notable eight-season career as a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals in the National Football League (NFL), Collinsworth seamlessly transitioned into sports media, where he has become one of the most respected and prominent voices in football analysis. He is best known for his insightful commentary as the lead analyst for NBC’s highly-rated Sunday Night Football and is a recipient of multiple Sports Emmy Awards, an impressive 18 as of May 2025. Beyond broadcasting, Collinsworth is also the majority owner of Pro Football Focus (PFF), a leading football analytics company, further solidifying his influence across the football landscape.

Cris Collinsworth Overview

Early Life and Education of Cris Collinsworth

Anthony Cris Collinsworth was born on January 27, 1959, in Dayton, Ohio, to Abraham Lincoln “Abe” Collinsworth and Donetta Browning Collinsworth. Both of his parents were dedicated educators; his mother was a teacher, and his father served as a high school teacher and coach, eventually becoming a principal and superintendent of schools for Brevard County, Florida. Abe Collinsworth was also a notable athlete, having played for the Kentucky Wildcats “Fiddling Five” team that won the 1958 national championship in basketball.

In 1963, when Cris was four years old, his family relocated from Ohio to Melbourne, Florida, and later moved to Titusville in 1972. It was in Titusville that Cris and his younger brother, Greg, attended Astronaut High School, where their father served as the principal. Collinsworth quickly distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete for the Astronaut War Eagles, excelling in football, basketball, and track and field. During his junior year in 1976, he showcased his exceptional speed by winning the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 3A 100-yard-dash state championship. He also earned recognition as a high-school All-American quarterback, demonstrating early signs of his versatility and athletic prowess.

Cris Collinsworth continued his academic and athletic pursuits at the University of Florida, where he attended on an athletic scholarship from 1977 to 1981. Initially starting as a quarterback, he famously threw a 99-yard touchdown pass to Derrick Gaffney in his freshman year against Rice, a play that remains tied for the longest touchdown pass in NCAA history. He later transitioned to wide receiver, a move that proved pivotal for his football career. Collinsworth flourished in this new role, earning first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) honors in 1978, 1979, and 1980. His collegiate career culminated in 1980 when he was named a first-team All-American and a first-team Academic All-American. He was also the MVP of the 1980 Tangerine Bowl. He concluded his college football career with 120 receptions for 1,937 yards and 14 receiving touchdowns, among other scores. Collinsworth graduated from the University of Florida in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and was inducted into the University of Florida Student Hall of Fame the same year.

Demonstrating a commitment to intellectual growth beyond his athletic endeavors, Collinsworth pursued further education after his NFL career. He earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1991.

Cris Collinsworth’s Career

Professional Football Career (1981-1988)

Cris Collinsworth’s professional football career began when he was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round, 37th overall, of the 1981 NFL Draft. He spent his entire eight-season NFL career (1981–1988) as a wide receiver for the Bengals, quickly becoming one of the team’s most productive and reliable players. In his rookie season, Collinsworth led the Bengals in receiving and set a franchise record for receptions by a rookie with 67, a mark that was the most by an NFL rookie wide receiver in 21 years. His impressive debut helped the Bengals reach Super Bowl XVI that season, where he was the leading receiver with five receptions for 107 yards, although he committed a costly fumble.

Standing at 6 ft 5 in, Collinsworth often created advantageous matchups against smaller cornerbacks, leveraging his height and legitimate deep-threat speed. He surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in four different seasons: 1981, 1983, 1985, and 1986. Throughout his career, Collinsworth was a three-time Pro Bowl selection (1981, 1982, and 1983) and a three-time Second-team All-Pro (1981-1983). He also earned a spot on the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team in 1981. He concluded his NFL playing career with 417 receptions for 6,698 yards and 36 touchdowns in 107 games. His final game was Super Bowl XXIII in 1989, where he caught three passes for 40 yards.

Broadcasting Career

Upon his retirement from playing, Cris Collinsworth smoothly transitioned into a highly successful career in sports broadcasting, where his articulate analysis and firsthand experience as a player quickly established him as a respected figure. He began his broadcasting journey as a sports radio talk show host on Cincinnati station WLW and soon joined HBO’s (now Showtime’s) Inside the NFL as a reporter in 1989, graduating to the show’s studio cast the following season.

In 1990, Collinsworth joined NBC Sports, where he served as a game analyst for the network’s NFL coverage and select college football broadcasts, including the 1994 Fiesta Bowl and the 1995 Orange Bowl national championship game. He later joined the NBC pregame show in 1996, earning his first Emmy Award in 1997 for his analysis. When NBC lost its NFL broadcast rights, Collinsworth moved to Fox Sports in 1998, initially as a member of the Fox NFL Sunday pregame show. By 2002, he was assigned to Fox’s lead game broadcasting crew, teaming with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, and called his first Super Bowl as a broadcaster, Super Bowl XXXIX, in 2005.

Collinsworth returned to NBC in 2006 as a studio analyst and co-host for Football Night in America. In 2009, he took on the role that would define his broadcasting legacy, becoming the lead analyst for NBC’s Sunday Night Football, replacing legendary commentator John Madden. For 13 seasons, he partnered with play-by-play announcer Al Michaels, forming one of the most iconic duos in sports broadcasting. Following Michaels’ departure to Prime Video in 2022, Collinsworth continued in the booth with Mike Tirico. Under his commentary, Sunday Night Football has achieved unprecedented success, ranking as primetime’s #1 TV show for 14 consecutive years and winning numerous Sports Emmys for Outstanding Live Sports Series.

His broadcasting work also includes color commentary for the Madden NFL video games (Madden NFL 09, 10, 11, and 12) and appearances as a commentator for NBC’s coverage of the Olympic Games, including Beijing (2008), Vancouver (2010), and Sochi (2014). He has also provided commentary for the NFL Network and Showtime’s Inside the NFL.

Entrepreneurial Ventures: Pro Football Focus

Beyond his on-air roles, Collinsworth is a successful entrepreneur. In 2014, he acquired a majority ownership stake in Pro Football Focus (PFF), a football analytics company, for a reported $6 million. Under his leadership, PFF has grown significantly, becoming a major player in football data analytics, widely utilized by all 32 NFL teams, media organizations, and fans. In 2021, PFF’s valuation reportedly reached $160 million after a major minority stake sale to investment firm Silver Lake for $50 million, significantly contributing to Cris Collinsworth’s net worth.

Cris Collinsworth Personal Life & Family

Cris Collinsworth is a dedicated family man. He has been married to Holly (Bankemper) Collinsworth, an attorney, since June 3, 1989. The couple met while both were attending the University of Cincinnati, where Holly pursued her law degree. They reside in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, and have four children together: sons Austin and Jac, and daughters Katie and Ashley.

Football runs in the Collinsworth family. His son, Jac Collinsworth, has followed in his father’s broadcasting footsteps and works as a sports commentator for NBC, appearing on programs such as Football Night in America and covering Notre Dame football, NASCAR, and the Olympics. Another son, Austin Collinsworth, played football as a safety and kick returner at the University of Notre Dame from 2010 to 2014. After his playing career, Austin joined his father at Pro Football Focus, where he currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer.

Cris and Holly’s daughters are also accomplished. Katie Collinsworth Hughes, after graduating from the University of Florida, worked at CBS before joining NBC in various roles for the Golf Channel and the network’s Olympics coverage. She is married with five children. Ashley Collinsworth Briley, the youngest daughter, was a successful track and field athlete at Harvard University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She has worked in sales and as a producer, and is married with one child.

Cris’s parents, Abe and Donetta Collinsworth, were both educators. His mother, Donetta, passed away in 2023 at the age of 86. His younger brother, Greg, a college basketball player at Florida State, passed away in 2004 after a battle with colon cancer. As of February 2025, Cris Collinsworth is a grandfather to five grandchildren.

Awards and Achievements of Cris Collinsworth

Cris Collinsworth’s illustrious career, both as an NFL player and a sports broadcaster, has been marked by numerous awards and accolades, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in American sports. His achievements include:

Collinsworth has earned an impressive total of 18 Sports Emmy Awards during his broadcasting career. Nine of these are for Outstanding Event Analyst and eight for Outstanding Studio Analyst, making him one of the most honored studio analysts in sports television. He and John Madden are the only NFL booth analysts to receive the Sports Emmy for Outstanding Sports Event Analyst. His work on NBC’s Sunday Night Football has been particularly acclaimed, contributing to the show winning multiple Sports Emmys for Outstanding Live Sports Series.

Cris Collinsworth Net Worth and Income

Cris Collinsworth has amassed a significant net worth through his successful careers in both professional football and sports broadcasting, coupled with astute business ventures. As of 2025, Cris Collinsworth’s net worth is estimated to be between $25 million and $30 million. This figure reflects his diverse income streams and ongoing influence in the sports industry.

A substantial portion of his wealth stems from his lucrative broadcasting contracts. His current contract with NBC as the lead analyst for Sunday Night Football reportedly pays him an average annual salary of approximately $12.5 million. This is a significant increase from his previous contract, which paid around $4 million per year. This substantial income places him among the highest-paid sports broadcasters in the world.

During his eight seasons as a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, Collinsworth also earned a considerable amount for his era. His last contract with the Bengals was a four-year deal worth $2.1 million, and it is estimated that he earned roughly $2.5 million to $3 million total during his NFL playing career.

Another major contributor to Cris Collinsworth’s net worth is his role as the majority owner of Pro Football Focus (PFF). He acquired the company in 2014, and under his leadership, PFF has grown into a highly valuable entity, with a reported valuation of $160 million in 2021 after selling a minority stake for $50 million to Silver Lake. This ownership stake and the company’s growth have significantly boosted his financial portfolio. Additionally, Collinsworth generates income through other ventures such as guest appearances, occasional product endorsements, and serving as an advisor for football-related projects.

Legacy and Influence

Cris Collinsworth has established a profound legacy and influence across American football, transitioning from a celebrated player to an iconic voice in sports broadcasting. His impact is multifaceted, marked by his insightful analysis, entrepreneurial spirit, and philanthropic efforts.

As a broadcaster, Collinsworth is widely regarded as one of the premier football analysts. He has been described as “in a league of his own” by the New York Post and “arguably the most thoughtful and well-spoken of football analysts” by the Houston Chronicle. The New York Times Magazine stated in December 2023 that “he has solidified his place as football’s most sagacious color commentator.” His ability to break down complex plays with precision, combined with his candid and enthusiastic commentary, has made the game more understandable and enjoyable for millions of viewers every Sunday night. His longevity and consistent critical acclaim on Sunday Night Football have made him an integral part of the show’s unprecedented success, which has been the #1 primetime TV show for 14 consecutive years.

Beyond his commentary, Collinsworth’s entrepreneurial acumen is evident in his successful leadership of Pro Football Focus (PFF). By making PFF a vital resource for NFL teams, media, and fans, he has influenced how football performance is analyzed and understood in the modern era.

Collinsworth also extends his influence through philanthropic work. In 2002, he founded the Cris Collinsworth ProScan Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting breast cancer by providing support, education, and early detection services. The organization also initiated the Queen City Classic Chess Program, promoting critical thinking, self-esteem, and sportsmanship among youth. He also contributes to scholarships for high school students and supports mental health research.

In August 2023, Cris Collinsworth was fittingly honored with induction into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, a testament to his career-long excellence and indelible mark on the sports television and media industry.

Interesting Facts about Cris Collinsworth

• Cris Collinsworth holds degrees in both accounting (University of Florida, 1981) and law (University of Cincinnati College of Law, 1991), showcasing his impressive academic versatility.
• During his freshman year as a quarterback at the University of Florida, he threw a 99-yard touchdown pass against Rice, a play that remains tied for the longest touchdown pass in NCAA history.
• He won the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 3A 100-yard-dash state championship in 1976.
• In 1985, Collinsworth briefly signed with the Tampa Bay Bandits of the United States Football League (USFL), but the contract was voided after he failed a physical due to an injured ankle, leading to his return to the Bengals.
• He once had a steak named after him at Jess Ruby’s Waterfront restaurant in Covington, Kentucky, and was among 83 people rescued from the floating restaurant when it drifted into the Ohio River in 2011.
• Collinsworth is well-known for his signature “Collinsworth Slide,” a unique on-screen move where he slides into the frame next to his co-commentator during the opening of Sunday Night Football.
• He served as the color commentator for several installments of the popular Madden NFL video game series, including Madden NFL 09, 10, 11, and 12.
• He once appeared on the popular game show Jeopardy!

Controversies

Despite a long and high-profile career in both professional sports and media, Cris Collinsworth has maintained a largely positive public image. The available credible sources do not highlight any significant public controversies or challenges that have substantially impacted his reputation. He is generally regarded for his thoughtful analysis and professional demeanor.

Social Media Presence

While Cris Collinsworth maintains a public presence primarily through the major sports networks he works for (NBC, NFL Network, Showtime) and his company Pro Football Focus, he also has an online footprint. He is actively associated with the official social media channels of Sunday Night Football, which include robust presence on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) under @SNFonNBC and a Facebook page with over 3.8 million followers, serving as a hub for football conversation. Pro Football Focus, of which he is the majority owner, also has a significant social media presence, including a popular YouTube channel that frequently features Collinsworth in discussions and interviews, often alongside prominent figures like Tom Brady. While specific personal follower counts for Cris Collinsworth on individual platforms like Instagram or X are not widely publicized or consistently tracked in the provided credible sources, his influence and content reach millions through these associated professional channels.

Final Words about Cris Collinsworth

Cris Collinsworth stands as a towering figure in American football, whose career seamlessly transitioned from an elite wide receiver to a preeminent sports broadcaster. As of 2025, he continues to be the insightful and enthusiastic voice of NBC’s Sunday Night Football, having completed his 16th season in the booth and scheduled to call at least two more Super Bowls before the conclusion of his contract in 2030. His ongoing four-year contract extension with NBC, reportedly worth $12.5 million annually, secures his role with the network until the 2029-30 season.

His legacy is defined not only by his exceptional achievements on the field and his record-breaking 18 Sports Emmy Awards but also by his astute entrepreneurship with Pro Football Focus and his commitment to philanthropy through the Cris Collinsworth ProScan Fund. Collinsworth’s multifaceted career serves as a testament to his enduring passion for the game, his intellectual rigor, and his ability to connect with audiences. His influence continues to shape how football is consumed and analyzed, making him an indispensable and highly respected personality in the world of sports. The “Cris Collinsworth biography” is one of continued success, marked by a rare blend of athletic prowess, sharp intellect, and broadcast charisma.