Who are Cris Collinsworth’s Parents? – 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.
Who are Cris Collinsworth’s Parents?
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Cris Collinsworth comes from a family deeply rooted in education and sports. His parents, Abraham Lincoln “Abe” Collinsworth and Donetta Browning Collinsworth, were both educators, fostering a commitment to learning within the family. Abe, who coincidentally shared a birthday with Abraham Lincoln, earned recognition as a top scorer in Kentucky high-school basketball history.
His skills led him to play for the renowned Kentucky Wildcats “Fiddling Five,” securing the national championship in 1958. Even during high school, Abe, affectionately known as “Lincoln,” showcased his prowess on the basketball court. Donetta, on the other hand, contributed to the educational field as a teacher.
Meanwhile, Abe’s career evolved from being a high-school teacher and coach to eventually assuming roles as a principal and, ultimately, the superintendent of schools for Brevard County. His dedication to education extended beyond the classroom, making a lasting impact on the educational landscape.
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.
