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Cris Collinsworth

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Cris Collinsworth
NameCris Collinsworth
Birth date27 January 1959
Birth placeDayton, Ohio
OccupationBroadcaster; former NFL player; businessman
Years active1981–present
Alma materUniversity of Florida

Cris Collinsworth (born January 27, 1959) is an American sports broadcaster, former professional football wide receiver, and entrepreneur. He played college football for the Florida Gators before joining the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League as a second-round draft pick, later becoming a prominent television analyst for networks including HBO, NBC Sports, FOX Sports, and Amazon Prime Video. Collinsworth is also known for business ventures and charitable work in Cincinnati, Ohio and Florida.

Early life and education

Collinsworth was born in Dayton, Ohio and raised in West Liberty, Ohio and Dayton suburbs; he attended Stebbins High School in Riverside, Ohio, where he played high school football, basketball, and track. He enrolled at the University of Florida, studying Business administration while playing for the Florida Gators football program under head coaches Doug Dickey and Charley Pell. At Florida he earned recognition on All-SEC teams and academic honors from the university.

College and collegiate football career

At the University of Florida, Collinsworth emerged as a leading receiver for the Florida Gators receiving national attention for his production and route-running. He played in bowl games including the Gator Bowl and competed against programs such as the Auburn Tigers football and Alabama Crimson Tide football. His collegiate statistics and All-SEC selections elevated his draft stock ahead of the 1981 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Professional playing career

Collinsworth joined the Cincinnati Bengals as a second-round pick in the 1981 NFL Draft and became a starting wide receiver alongside teammates like Ken Anderson and later Boomer Esiason. He led the National Football League in touchdown receptions in 1981 and helped the Bengals reach the Super Bowl XVI roster and later the Super Bowl XXIII team. His professional career included multiple Pro Bowl selections and statistical achievements in receptions and receiving yards before retiring after the 1988 season due to injuries.

Broadcasting and media career

After retiring from playing, Collinsworth entered broadcasting, joining HBO's Inside the NFL as an analyst and becoming known for his work on NBC Sports' coverage of the NFL on NBC, including studio and game commentary roles. He later joined FOX Sports as a lead analyst for the network's NFL telecasts and became a prominent commentator alongside play-by-play announcers such as Joe Buck and Al Michaels. Collinsworth also worked on NBC's Sunday Night Football and served as a commentator for Prime Video's NFL broadcasts. His broadcasting career expanded to feature work on ESPN, guest appearances on The Tonight Show, and contributions to sports journalism and documentary productions covering events like the Super Bowl and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Business ventures and endorsements

Beyond broadcasting, Collinsworth developed business interests including investments in real estate and partnerships with sports-related enterprises in Cincinnati, Ohio and Florida. He co-founded companies and engaged in endorsement deals with brands appearing on national broadcasts, and he participated in ventures tied to venues and sports marketing around events such as the Super Bowl and college bowl games. Collinsworth's business activities have included board and advisory roles with organizations connected to sports media and hospitality.

Personal life and philanthropy

Collinsworth is married and has children; his family has been active in the Cincinnati community and in philanthropic initiatives. He founded and supported charitable programs focusing on youth sports, health, and education, collaborating with nonprofits and institutions such as local hospitals and universities. Collinsworth has received recognition from regional civic organizations and sports foundations for both his broadcasting achievements and charitable contributions.

Category:1959 births Category:Living people Category:American sports announcers Category:Cincinnati Bengals players Category:Florida Gators football players