Cris Collinsworth is a name synonymous with American football, not only for his stellar career as a wide receiver in the NFL but also for his success as a sports commentator. As of 2024, Collinsworth’s estimated net worth stands at a remarkable $25 million, earned through a combination of his football career, broadcasting, and entrepreneurial ventures.
He is married to Holly Bankemper, whom he wed in 1989. Together, they have four children: Jac Collinsworth, Austin Collinsworth, Katie Collinsworth, and Ashley Collinsworth. Collinsworth attended the University of Florida, where he initially played as a quarterback before transitioning to wide receiver. His height, standing at 1.96 meters (6’5″), gave him an advantage on the field. He joined the Cincinnati Bengals in 1981 after playing for the Florida Gators football team, which he joined in 1977.
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Collinsworth was born on January 27, 1959, in Dayton, Ohio, into a sports-loving family. His father, Abraham Lincoln “Abe” Collinsworth, was a noted basketball player who contributed to the Kentucky Wildcats’ national championship win in 1958. Following his father’s athletic footsteps, Cris excelled in multiple sports, particularly football.
At Astronaut High School in Florida, Cris was an All-American quarterback, and his performance earned him a football scholarship to the University of Florida. Initially playing as a quarterback, Collinsworth switched to wide receiver—a decision that would shape his future success. His college career was filled with accolades, including First-team All-SEC honors from 1978 to 1980. By the time he left college, Collinsworth had caught 120 passes for 1,937 yards and scored 17 touchdowns.
NFL Career and Major Achievements
In the 1981 NFL Draft, Collinsworth was selected in the second round by the Cincinnati Bengals. His rookie year was nothing short of spectacular, setting a franchise record with 67 receptions, which was the most by a rookie wide receiver in over two decades. Standing at 6’5″, Collinsworth’s size and speed made him a nightmare for defenders, and he quickly became one of the Bengals’ top players.
Over his eight-year career with the Bengals, Collinsworth recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in four seasons and was selected to the Pro Bowl three times. His contributions helped the Bengals reach the Super Bowl twice, although they fell short of winning the championship. By the time he retired in 1988, Collinsworth had accumulated 417 receptions, 6,698 receiving yards, and 36 touchdowns.
Transition to Broadcasting
After his NFL career, Collinsworth made a smooth transition into broadcasting, which would become one of the main drivers of his growing net worth. He started as a sports radio host in Cincinnati and soon found his way to television. His big break came when he joined HBO’s Inside the NFL as a co-host, earning the attention of sports networks nationwide.
Collinsworth eventually became a fixture on NBC Sports, where he took on various roles, including Sunday Night Football analyst alongside Al Michaels. His insightful commentary and deep understanding of the game earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sports Personality. Today, Collinsworth is one of the most recognized voices in football commentary, known for his in-depth analysis and easygoing style.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) and Other Ventures
One of the lesser-known but highly successful aspects of Collinsworth’s career is his involvement in Pro Football Focus (PFF). Collinsworth acquired a majority stake in the analytics company, which provides detailed statistical breakdowns of NFL and college football performances. PFF has become a go-to resource for teams, coaches, and fans alike, cementing Collinsworth’s reputation as more than just a broadcaster.
His entrepreneurial success with PFF has added a significant portion to his $25 million fortune, further solidifying his financial standing. Beyond his broadcasting and business ventures, Collinsworth has also participated in various endorsements, although he is not as heavily involved in this area as some other former athletes.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Despite his fame and fortune, Cris Collinsworth leads a relatively private personal life. He has been married to his wife Holly Bankemper since 1989, and the couple has four children. His son, Jac Collinsworth, has followed in his father’s footsteps and is also a sports broadcaster.
Collinsworth is also known for his philanthropic efforts, often giving back to the community through various charitable organizations. While his family enjoys a comfortable life in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, Collinsworth’s focus remains on his career and supporting the causes he cares about.
From the football field to the broadcast booth and boardroom, Cris Collinsworth has built an impressive net worth of $25 million in 2024. His career in the NFL provided the foundation, but his intelligence, work ethic, and entrepreneurial spirit propelled him to new heights in broadcasting and business. With his continued involvement in Pro Football Focus and his Emmy-winning career as a sports analyst, Collinsworth shows no signs of slowing down. His journey is a testament to how hard work, adaptability, and passion can lead to enduring success, both on and off the field.
FAQs about Cris Collinsworth:
- What is Cris Collinsworth’s salary?
As of recent reports, Cris Collinsworth earns an annual salary of approximately $12.5 million from his work as a sports analyst on NBC’s “Sunday Night Football.” His contract has made him one of the highest-paid sports commentators in the industry. - What was Cris Collinsworth’s 40 time?
During his NFL combine, Cris Collinsworth recorded a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, which is impressive for a wide receiver of his size (6’5″). - Is Cris Collinsworth in the Hall of Fame?
While Cris Collinsworth has had a successful career as both an NFL player and broadcaster, he is not inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, his impact on football as a player and commentator remains significant. - How many Super Bowls did Cris Collinsworth play in?
Collinsworth played in two Super Bowls during his career with the Cincinnati Bengals: Super Bowl XVI (1982) and Super Bowl XXIII (1989). Unfortunately, the Bengals lost both games. - Does Cris Collinsworth have a degree?
Yes, Cris Collinsworth holds a degree in accounting from the University of Florida, where he was also a standout athlete on their football team.