How Old Is Chris Collinsworth?
Chris Collinsworth, born on January 27, 1959, is a well-known American former football player and sports broadcaster.
He played as a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL for eight seasons from 1981 to 1988.
Collinsworth also had an impressive college football career at the University of Florida, where he was recognized as an All-American.
After retiring as a player, he pursued a successful broadcasting career and is currently a television sportscaster for NBC, Showtime, and the NFL Network.
Collinsworth has received numerous accolades for his work, including 17 Sports Emmy Awards.
In addition to his broadcasting career, he is the majority owner of Pro Football Focus.
Growing Up and College Football Success
Chris Collinsworth was born in Dayton, Ohio, on January 27, 1959. He comes from a family of educators, with both of his parents working in the field.
In 1963, the Collinsworth family moved to Melbourne, Florida, and later settled in Titusville, where Chris attended Astronaut High School.
He excelled in multiple sports, winning the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 3A 100-yard-dash state championship in his senior year.
Collinsworth’s impressive athletic abilities caught the attention of college football programs, and he ultimately accepted an athletic scholarship to the University of Florida.
At Florida, he played as a wide receiver under coach Doug Dickey and had a successful college football career.
He was named a first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection from 1978 to 1980, and he was recognized as a first-team All-American in 1980.
Collinsworth graduated from the University of Florida in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Success in the NFL and Super Bowl Appearance
After being selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft, Chris Collinsworth played his entire professional career with the Bengals. He quickly made an impact, setting the franchise record for receptions by a rookie with 67.
Collinsworth achieved great success throughout his career, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in four seasons and earning Pro Bowl selections in 1981, 1982, and 1983. He was known for creating mismatches against smaller cornerbacks due to his height (6 ft 5 in) and speed.
Collinsworth was a key player in Super Bowl XVI, where he was the leading receiver for the Bengals with five receptions for 107 yards. Although the Bengals did not win the game, Collinsworth’s performance was noteworthy.
Transition to Broadcasting and Ongoing Success
After retiring from professional football, Chris Collinsworth seamlessly transitioned into a successful broadcasting career, solidifying his name as one of the most prominent figures in the industry. His journey began as a sports radio talk show host in Cincinnati, where his passion for sports analysis and entertaining commentary caught the attention of listeners.
In 1989, Collinsworth made the leap to television, becoming a reporter for HBO’s Inside the NFL, which is now known as Showtime’s Inside the NFL. This opportunity allowed him to showcase his expertise and provide insightful commentary on the sport he knew so well. Over the years, he has also made appearances on various networks, including NBC and Fox, further expanding his reach and captivating audiences with his charismatic style.
Joining the NBC network in 1990 was a significant turning point in Collinsworth’s broadcasting career. Since then, he has become a household name as a television sportscaster, bringing his unique blend of knowledge, enthusiasm, and humor to NFL games and other exciting sports events. His exceptional insight and engaging delivery have earned him widespread acclaim, attracting a loyal fan base.
Collinsworth’s broadcasting prowess extends beyond NBC. He has also made notable contributions to Showtime and the NFL Network, further solidifying his influence in the field. In recognition of his exceptional talent and dedication, Collinsworth has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including an impressive 17 Sports Emmy Awards.