Cris Collinsworth Wife: Meet Holly Bankemper – Cris Collinsworth is a seasoned American National Football League (NFL) veteran and sports commentator. His NFL career spanned eight seasons (1981-1988), all with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he played as a wide receiver.
Collinsworth gained recognition as an All-American while playing college football at the University of Florida. In addition to his achievements on the field, he has established himself as a prominent television sportscaster, contributing to NBC, Showtime, and the NFL Network. His accolades include winning 17 Sports Emmy Awards, and he is also the majority owner of Pro Football Focus.
Cris Collinsworth Wife: Meet Holly Bankemper
Cris Collinsworth is married to Holly Bankemper, and available reports indicate that they exchanged vows in 1989. Holly Bankemper, in addition to being the wife of the accomplished football player and sports broadcaster, is a legal professional, specifically an attorney. The couple’s union in 1989 marks a significant chapter in their lives, symbolizing a longstanding partnership that has withstood the test of time.
Holly, with her legal background, adds another layer to the Collinsworth family dynamic, showcasing the diversity of talents and expertise within the household. As an attorney, Holly Bankemper likely brings a wealth of legal knowledge and experience to the table. Her professional pursuits not only complement Cris’s achievements in the sports world but also contribute to the broader spectrum of their shared life journey.
Born on January 27, 1959, Collinsworth’s journey began with an athletic scholarship to the University of Florida, where he initially joined as a run-first quarterback. However, his impressive 99-yard touchdown pass in his first collegiate attempt showcased his talents. Coach Doug Dickey decided to transition the team’s offense, and Collinsworth excelled after being moved to the wide receiver position. His contributions earned him several honors, including being named a first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection and a first-team All-American.
During his time at Florida, Cris Collinsworth exhibited his versatility by catching 120 passes for 1,937 yards, rushing for 210 yards, and scoring touchdowns in various ways. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1981 and received induction into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame.
In the professional realm, Cris Collinsworth was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. His eight-year NFL career included notable achievements such as setting the Bengals’ rookie reception record and making multiple Pro Bowl appearances. His height of 6 ft 5 in, combined with speed, made him a formidable receiver. Despite a second-quarter fumble in Super Bowl XVI, Collinsworth ended his career with impressive stats, recording 417 receptions for 6,698 yards and 36 touchdowns in 107 games.
Transitioning to broadcasting after retiring from the NFL, Collinsworth started as a sports radio talk show host before joining HBO’s Inside the NFL in 1989. He became a prominent figure in NBC’s NFL broadcasts in 1990 and later joined the NFL on Fox. Collinsworth’s broadcasting career expanded to multiple networks, including HBO and NFL Network, showcasing his expertise as a color commentator.
Notably, Collinsworth is known for the “Collinsworth Slide,” a trademark move before each game, where he would slide into the broadcast picture after Al Michaels’ introduction. Beyond his broadcasting career, he remains active in public service as a member of the Board of Selectors of Jefferson Awards for Public Service.
