Cris Collinsworth: A Legendary Football Legacy

Who is Cris Collinsworth?

Cris Collinsworth is a former professional American football player and current sportscaster. He played wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1981 to 1988. After his playing career, Collinsworth became a sportscaster for NBC, where he has worked as an NFL analyst since 1990.

Collinsworth was born in Dayton, Ohio, on January 27, 1959. He played college football at the University of Florida, where he was a two-time All-American. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft.

In his eight seasons with the Bengals, Collinsworth caught 417 passes for 6,689 yards and 42 touchdowns. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1980s.

After his playing career, Collinsworth joined NBC as an NFL analyst. He has been a color commentator on NBC's Sunday Night Football since 1990. Collinsworth is known for his insightful analysis and his ability to explain the game in a way that is easy for fans to understand.

Collinsworth is also a successful businessman. He is the co-founder of Pro Football Focus, a company that provides advanced analytics for NFL teams and fans.

Collinsworth is married to Holly Bankemper. They have four children.

Cris Collinsworth Football Career

Cris Collinsworth's football career spanned eight seasons, during which he established himself as one of the most prolific wide receivers in the NFL. His accomplishments on and off the field have left a lasting impact on the sport.

• Wide Receiver
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Pro Bowl (3x)
• All-Pro (2x)
• NFL All-Decade Team (1980s)
• Sportscaster
• NBC
• Pro Football Focus

Collinsworth's success as a wide receiver was due in part to his exceptional athleticism and his ability to make difficult catches. He was also a skilled route runner and had a knack for finding open spaces in the defense. Off the field, Collinsworth was a respected leader and was known for his intelligence and work ethic.

After his playing career, Collinsworth transitioned seamlessly into a successful broadcasting career. He is known for his insightful analysis and his ability to explain the game in a way that is easy for fans to understand. Collinsworth is also a successful businessman and is the co-founder of Pro Football Focus, a company that provides advanced analytics for NFL teams and fans.

Cris Collinsworth's football career is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent. He is a true legend of the game and continues to make significant contributions to the sport, both on and off the field.

1. Wide Receiver

A wide receiver is a player in American football who lines up on the line of scrimmage and is responsible for catching passes from the quarterback. Wide receivers are typically fast and agile, with good hands and the ability to make difficult catches. They are also often responsible for blocking for the running backs and tight ends.

• Route Running
  

  One of the most important skills for a wide receiver is route running. Wide receivers must be able to run precise routes in order to get open and create separation from the defensive backs. Collinsworth was known for his excellent route running, which allowed him to get open even against the most talented defensive backs.

• Hands
  

  Wide receivers must also have good hands in order to catch passes from the quarterback. Collinsworth had some of the best hands in the NFL, which allowed him to make difficult catches in traffic.

• Speed
  

  Speed is another important attribute for a wide receiver. Wide receivers need to be able to outrun the defensive backs in order to get open and create big plays. Collinsworth was one of the fastest wide receivers in the NFL, which allowed him to create separation and make big plays.

• Blocking
  

  In addition to catching passes, wide receivers are also responsible for blocking for the running backs and tight ends. Collinsworth was a willing blocker, which helped the Bengals' running game.

Cris Collinsworth was one of the most successful wide receivers in the NFL during his eight-year career. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1980s. Collinsworth's success was due in part to his exceptional route running, hands, speed, and blocking ability.

2. Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional American football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) North division. The Bengals were founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and they have played their home games at Paul Brown Stadium since 2000.

Cris Collinsworth played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1981 to 1988. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1980s. Collinsworth's success with the Bengals was due in part to his exceptional talent and the team's offensive scheme.

The Bengals' offense was led by quarterback Ken Anderson, who was one of the most accurate passers in the NFL. Anderson's ability to get the ball to his receivers quickly and accurately allowed Collinsworth to make big plays. Collinsworth was also a key part of the Bengals' running game, as he was a willing blocker who helped open up holes for running backs James Brooks and Ickey Woods.

Collinsworth's time with the Bengals was a successful one. He helped the team reach the Super Bowl in 1981 and 1988, and he was a key part of the Bengals' offense during their run of success in the 1980s.

The connection between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cris Collinsworth's football career is a significant one. Collinsworth's success with the Bengals helped him become one of the most respected wide receivers in the NFL. He was also a key part of the Bengals' success during their run of success in the 1980s.

3. Pro Bowl (3x)

Cris Collinsworth's three Pro Bowl selections are a testament to his exceptional talent and his status as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL during his era. The Pro Bowl is an annual all-star game that showcases the best players in the NFL, and Collinsworth's three selections are a reflection of his consistent performance at a high level.

• Recognition of Excellence
  

  The Pro Bowl is the NFL's highest individual honor, and Collinsworth's three selections are a recognition of his exceptional talent and his status as one of the best wide receivers in the league. His Pro Bowl selections are a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent.

• Consistency
  

  Collinsworth's three Pro Bowl selections are a testament to his consistency. He was able to perform at a high level year after year, which is a rare feat in the NFL. His consistency was a major factor in the Bengals' success during his time with the team.

• Team Success
  

  Collinsworth's Pro Bowl selections are also a reflection of the success of the Bengals during his time with the team. The Bengals were a consistent playoff contender during Collinsworth's tenure, and his contributions were a major factor in their success.

Cris Collinsworth's three Pro Bowl selections are a testament to his exceptional talent, his consistency, and his contributions to the Bengals' success. He was one of the best wide receivers in the NFL during his era, and his Pro Bowl selections are a fitting recognition of his achievements.

4. All-Pro (2x)

Cris Collinsworth's two All-Pro selections are a testament to his exceptional talent and his status as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL during his era. The All-Pro team is selected by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, and Collinsworth's two selections are a recognition of his consistent performance at a high level.

• Recognition of Excellence
  

  The All-Pro team is the NFL's highest individual honor, and Collinsworth's two selections are a recognition of his exceptional talent and his status as one of the best wide receivers in the league. His All-Pro selections are a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent.

• Consistency
  

  Collinsworth's two All-Pro selections are a testament to his consistency. He was able to perform at a high level year after year, which is a rare feat in the NFL. His consistency was a major factor in the Bengals' success during his time with the team.

• Leadership
  

  Collinsworth was also a leader on the Bengals' offense. He was a respected veteran who was always willing to help his teammates. His leadership was a major factor in the Bengals' success during his time with the team.

• Team Success
  

  Collinsworth's All-Pro selections are also a reflection of the success of the Bengals during his time with the team. The Bengals were a consistent playoff contender during Collinsworth's tenure, and his contributions were a major factor in their success.

Cris Collinsworth's two All-Pro selections are a testament to his exceptional talent, his consistency, his leadership, and his contributions to the Bengals' success. He was one of the best wide receivers in the NFL during his era, and his All-Pro selections are a fitting recognition of his achievements.

5. NFL All-Decade Team (1980s)

The NFL All-Decade Team (1980s) is a prestigious honor bestowed upon the best players in the National Football League during the 1980s. Cris Collinsworth, a standout wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, was named to this elite team, solidifying his legacy as one of the most exceptional players of his era.

• Recognition of Excellence
  

  The NFL All-Decade Team recognizes the most outstanding players at each position for a given decade. Collinsworth's selection to this team is a testament to his exceptional talent and consistent performance throughout the 1980s. It is a prestigious honor that only a select few players achieve.

• Dominant Performance
  

  During the 1980s, Collinsworth was one of the most dominant wide receivers in the NFL. He possessed an uncanny ability to get open, make difficult catches, and score touchdowns. His combination of speed, agility, and sure hands made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

• Team Success
  

  Collinsworth's individual success contributed significantly to the Cincinnati Bengals' overall success during the 1980s. The Bengals were a perennial playoff contender, and Collinsworth was a key part of their offensive attack. His ability to stretch the field and create big plays helped the Bengals reach two Super Bowls.

Cris Collinsworth's selection to the NFL All-Decade Team (1980s) is a fitting tribute to his remarkable football career. He was one of the most talented and productive wide receivers of his generation, and his contributions to the Cincinnati Bengals were instrumental in their success.

6. Sportscaster

Cris Collinsworth's transition from professional football player to sportscaster is a testament to his versatility and his deep understanding of the game. His successful broadcasting career has allowed him to continue to be involved in the sport he loves, while also sharing his insights and expertise with fans around the world.

• Knowledge and Expertise
  

  Collinsworth's years of experience as a wide receiver give him a unique perspective on the game. He understands the nuances of the sport and can provide insightful analysis that helps viewers understand the strategies and tactics employed by players and coaches. His knowledge and expertise make him a valuable resource for both casual and hardcore football fans.

• Communication Skills
  

  Collinsworth is a gifted communicator who is able to articulate his thoughts and observations clearly and concisely. He is able to break down complex plays and strategies in a way that is easy for viewers to understand. His communication skills make him an effective commentator and help to make the game more enjoyable for fans.

• Objectivity and Fairness
  

  Collinsworth is known for his objectivity and fairness in his commentary. He is not afraid to criticize players and coaches when they make mistakes, but he is also quick to give credit where it is due. His objectivity helps viewers to trust his analysis and insights.

• Passion for the Game
  

  Collinsworth's passion for football is evident in his commentary. He is enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the game, and he is able to convey his excitement to viewers. His passion for the game helps to make his commentary more engaging and enjoyable.

Cris Collinsworth's successful broadcasting career is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent. He is one of the most respected sportscasters in the world, and his insights and expertise have helped to make the game of football more enjoyable for fans around the world.

7. NBC

NBC played a pivotal role in Cris Collinsworth's football career, providing him with a platform to showcase his expertise and insights as a sportscaster. Collinsworth joined NBC in 1990 as an NFL analyst and has been a key member of their broadcasting team ever since.

Collinsworth's contributions to NBC have been significant. He is known for his insightful analysis, clear communication, and objectivity. He is also a passionate and knowledgeable commentator, which makes his commentary both informative and enjoyable for viewers.

The connection between NBC and Cris Collinsworth's football career is a mutually beneficial one. NBC has benefited from Collinsworth's expertise and insights, while Collinsworth has benefited from NBC's platform to share his knowledge of the game with a wide audience.

The success of Cris Collinsworth's broadcasting career is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent. He is one of the most respected sportscasters in the world, and his contributions to NBC have helped to make the network a leader in sports broadcasting.

8. Pro Football Focus

Pro Football Focus (PFF) is a company that provides advanced analytics for NFL teams and fans. Cris Collinsworth is a co-founder of PFF, and the company has played a significant role in his football career.

PFF collects data on every play of every NFL game. This data is used to generate advanced metrics that measure the performance of individual players, units, and teams. PFF's metrics are widely used by NFL teams to evaluate players and make roster decisions.

Collinsworth's involvement with PFF has given him access to a wealth of data and insights that he uses in his broadcasting work. He is able to use PFF's metrics to support his analysis and provide viewers with a deeper understanding of the game.

For example, Collinsworth often uses PFF's data to identify players who are performing well but may not be getting enough attention from the media. He also uses PFF's data to analyze specific plays and explain why they succeeded or failed.

Collinsworth's use of PFF's data has helped him to become one of the most respected NFL analysts in the world. He is known for his insightful analysis and his ability to explain the game in a way that is easy for fans to understand.

The connection between Pro Football Focus and Cris Collinsworth's football career is a mutually beneficial one. PFF has provided Collinsworth with a wealth of data and insights that he uses in his broadcasting work. Collinsworth, in turn, has helped to raise the profile of PFF and its metrics.

FAQs about Cris Collinsworth's Football Career

Cris Collinsworth's football career has been marked by success both on and off the field. As a player, he was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1980s. After his playing career, he became a successful sportscaster, working for NBC since 1990. He is also a co-founder of Pro Football Focus, a company that provides advanced analytics for NFL teams and fans.

Question 1: What made Cris Collinsworth a successful wide receiver?

Cris Collinsworth was a successful wide receiver due to his exceptional athleticism, route running, hands, speed, and blocking ability. He was also a respected leader and was known for his intelligence and work ethic.

Question 2: What was Cris Collinsworth's role in the Cincinnati Bengals' success?

Cris Collinsworth was a key part of the Cincinnati Bengals' success during his time with the team. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1980s. His contributions helped the Bengals reach two Super Bowls.

Question 3: What are Cris Collinsworth's strengths as a sportscaster?

Cris Collinsworth is known for his insightful analysis, clear communication, objectivity, and passion for the game. He is able to break down complex plays and strategies in a way that is easy for viewers to understand.

Question 4: What is Pro Football Focus and what role does Cris Collinsworth play?

Pro Football Focus is a company that provides advanced analytics for NFL teams and fans. Cris Collinsworth is a co-founder of PFF, and he uses PFF's data and insights in his broadcasting work.

Question 5: What are some of Cris Collinsworth's most notable achievements?

Some of Cris Collinsworth's most notable achievements include being a three-time Pro Bowl selection, being named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1980s, and being a successful sportscaster for over 30 years.

Summary: Cris Collinsworth has had a successful football career both on and off the field. He was a successful wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, and he has been a successful sportscaster for NBC since 1990. He is also a co-founder of Pro Football Focus, a company that provides advanced analytics for NFL teams and fans.

Transition to the next article section: Cris Collinsworth's football career is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent. He is one of the most respected figures in the NFL, and his contributions to the game have been significant.

Cris Collinsworth Football Career

Cris Collinsworth's football career is a story of success both on and off the field. As a player, he was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1980s. After his playing career, he became a successful sportscaster, working for NBC since 1990. He is also a co-founder of Pro Football Focus, a company that provides advanced analytics for NFL teams and fans.

Collinsworth's success is due to his hard work, dedication, and talent. He is a true legend of the game, and his contributions to the NFL have been significant.