The Unseen Foundation: 7 Fascinating Facts About Cris Collinsworth’s Wife, Holly Bankemper Collinsworth
Every football fan knows the voice and face of Cris Collinsworth, the veteran analyst for NBC's Sunday Night Football and former Pro Bowl wide receiver. What many don't know is the fascinating story of the woman who has been his anchor for over three decades: his wife, Holly Bankemper Collinsworth. As of December 23, 2025, their marriage remains one of the strongest and most private in the sports world, offering a rare glimpse into the successful family life of a high-profile sports personality.
Far from the bright lights of the NFL broadcast booth, Holly Collinsworth has carved out an impressive career of her own as a lawyer, all while raising four successful children who are now making their own marks in sports and business. Her life is a compelling blend of professional achievement and dedicated family support, proving that behind one of the biggest names in football is an equally accomplished partner.
Holly Bankemper Collinsworth: Complete Biography and Profile
Holly Bankemper Collinsworth is a Kentucky-based attorney, recognized not only for her legal career but also as the wife of legendary NFL player and broadcaster Cris Collinsworth. She has maintained a remarkably private profile despite her husband's immense fame, focusing instead on her family and professional life. The couple's enduring marriage, which began in 1989, is a testament to their shared values and commitment.
- Full Name: Holly Bankemper Collinsworth
- Date of Birth: November 23, 1964 (Approximate)
- Age: 61 (As of late 2025)
- Place of Birth: United States
- Nationality: American
- Spouse: Cris Collinsworth (Married June 3, 1989)
- Children: Four (Katie, Austin, Ashley, and Jac Collinsworth)
- Grandchildren: Five (As of recent reports)
- Education: University of Cincinnati College of Law (Met Cris while he was playing for the Cincinnati Bengals)
- Profession: Attorney/Lawyer
- Residences: Fort Thomas, Kentucky, and Longboat Key, Florida
Holly’s decision to pursue a career in law while Cris’s star was rising in the NFL and later in broadcasting highlights her independent spirit. She has successfully balanced the demands of her profession with the unique challenges of being married to a public figure, all while fostering a family environment that has led all four of her children to notable achievements.
The Powerhouse Partnership: A Marriage Built on Law and Football
The story of Cris and Holly's relationship is a classic tale of two ambitious people meeting at a pivotal time in their lives. They first met in Cincinnati, Ohio, during a period when Cris Collinsworth was transitioning from his playing days with the Cincinnati Bengals to a potential future in broadcasting. Holly, whose maiden name is Bankemper, was a dedicated student at the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
Their connection quickly deepened, leading to their marriage on June 3, 1989. This date marked the beginning of a partnership that has spanned over 35 years and multiple phases of Cris's career, from his early days as a sports commentator to becoming the primary color analyst for NBC Sunday Night Football, one of the most-watched programs on television.
Holly’s background as an attorney is crucial to understanding her role. While Cris is the public face, Holly provides the legal and intellectual foundation for their family life and business dealings. She has been noted as a practicing lawyer in the Fort Thomas, Kentucky, area, where the couple raised their family. Her legal acumen likely plays an important, albeit private, role in managing the affairs of a prominent sports family.
The couple also maintains a residence in Longboat Key, Florida, reflecting their deep ties to both the Cincinnati area and their desire for a private retreat. This dual residency underscores their ability to successfully manage a high-profile life while prioritizing privacy and community involvement in their hometown.
Raising a Dynasty: The Success of the Collinsworth Children
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Holly Collinsworth’s life is her success as a mother. She and Cris Collinsworth have four adult children—two daughters and two sons—all of whom have established successful careers, often following in their father’s footsteps into the world of sports and media. This collective success is a strong indicator of the supportive and high-achieving environment Holly helped create at home.
The Four Pillars of the Collinsworth Family:
- Katie Collinsworth: The eldest daughter, Katie, has a background in physical therapy and sports medicine. She has been involved in sports-related health and has contributed to studies and presentations in the field.
- Austin Collinsworth: Austin is deeply entrenched in the football world, but on the business side. A former safety at Notre Dame, he is currently the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Pro Football Focus (PFF), the influential football analytics company co-owned by his father. His role at PFF connects him directly to the modern analysis of the game.
- Ashley Collinsworth: Ashley is known for her athleticism and dedication to fitness. She has pursued a career in the health and wellness industry, aligning with the family's overall interest in sports and physical performance.
- Jac Collinsworth: Jac is the most visible of the children, having followed his father directly into sports broadcasting. He is a prominent voice on NBC Sports, covering everything from college football to the Olympics, and has quickly established his own reputation in the industry.
The fact that two of their sons, Austin and Jac, are making significant waves in the sports media landscape—one in analytics and the other in broadcasting—is a point of pride for the Collinsworth family. Holly’s role in nurturing four distinct, successful career paths while maintaining a private family life speaks volumes about her organizational and supportive capabilities. The couple is also proud grandparents to five grandchildren, adding another layer to their family legacy.
Behind the Scenes: Holly’s Private Life and Community Focus
Despite the constant media attention surrounding her husband's career, Holly Collinsworth has made a concerted effort to keep her personal life out of the spotlight. This dedication to privacy is a key feature of her identity. While Cris is often traveling for broadcasts, Holly has historically been the stable presence in their Fort Thomas, Kentucky, home, ensuring the family remains grounded.
Her work as an attorney, though not widely publicized in terms of her specific practice area, suggests a commitment to professional independence outside of the football bubble. This independence is a powerful message, showing that she is not simply "Cris Collinsworth's wife," but a successful professional in her own right.
The Collinsworth family has also been involved in various community and charitable efforts, often focusing on local initiatives in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. Holly and Cris have supported causes related to their children's interests and local community needs, reinforcing their ties to the region where they built their life together. Their long-standing commitment to the community where they raised their children demonstrates a profound sense of loyalty and local pride.
In a world where celebrity relationships often crumble under the pressure of fame, the enduring partnership of Cris and Holly Collinsworth serves as a quiet, powerful example of stability. Holly Bankemper Collinsworth remains the essential, unseen foundation that allows Cris Collinsworth to maintain his status as one of the most recognized and respected voices in American sports.
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