Cris Collinsworth has cemented his status as a legendary figure in American football, not just for his achievements on the field but also for his unparalleled career as a broadcaster. For many, the name Cris Collinsworth is synonymous with Sunday Night Football on NBC, where his insightful analysis and distinctive voice have become a staple of NFL primetime viewing. His journey, however, is one that spans decades, transitioning from a standout wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals to arguably the most respected color commentator in the sport. This article delves into the remarkable Cris Collinsworth Football Career, tracing his path from the gridiron to the broadcast booth and highlighting the milestones that have defined his enduring legacy.
Collinsworth’s broadcasting career reached a significant milestone in January 2025, marking his 16th season in the Sunday Night Football booth. This achievement surpasses even the iconic Howard Cosell, establishing Collinsworth as the longest-tenured analyst for the NFL’s premier primetime broadcast package. The New York Post lauded him as being “in a league of his own,” while the Houston Chronicle recognized him as “arguably the most thoughtful and well-spoken of football analysts.” Such accolades are a testament to the depth of his expertise and his ability to articulate complex football concepts in an engaging and accessible manner.
Alt text: Cris Collinsworth providing expert analysis from the Sunday Night Football broadcast booth, highlighting his role as a leading NFL commentator.
The New York Times Magazine in December 2023 aptly described Collinsworth as “football’s most sagacious color commentator,” emphasizing his wisdom and profound understanding of the game. Adding to this chorus of praise, the Buffalo News noted his “relentless enthusiasm” and “expertise,” qualities that resonate with viewers and contribute to the captivating nature of his broadcasts. His passion for football, combined with his deep knowledge, creates a viewing experience that is both informative and entertaining.
In 2024, Collinsworth continued his partnership with Mike Tirico in the SNF booth, marking their third season together. Prior to this, he spent 13 seasons alongside the legendary Al Michaels, forming one of the most iconic broadcast duos in NFL history. This transition to Tirico has been seamless, demonstrating Collinsworth’s adaptability and continued relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of sports broadcasting.
The 2024 season was particularly successful for Sunday Night Football, averaging a Total Audience Delivery of 21.6 million viewers. This represented the show’s highest viewership since 2015 and positioned it as primetime’s #1 TV show across all key demographics for an unprecedented 14th consecutive year. This remarkable streak, dating back to 1950, underscores the enduring popularity of SNF and Collinsworth’s integral role in its success.
Alt text: Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth collaborating in the Sunday Night Football booth, illustrating their successful broadcasting partnership.
Further solidifying his legendary status, Collinsworth was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in August 2023. This prestigious honor recognized his lifetime achievements and exceptional contributions to the sports television and media industry. It stands as a pinnacle achievement in a career already filled with accolades.
Collinsworth’s broadcasting prowess extends to the biggest stage in American sports – the Super Bowl. By February 2022, he had called his fifth Super Bowl, and fourth with NBC Sports. Super Bowl LVI, in which he served as an analyst, became the most-watched television program in five years, drawing a staggering 112.3 million viewers. His ability to deliver insightful commentary during high-pressure, high-stakes events like the Super Bowl further cements his reputation as a top-tier broadcaster.
NBC’s Sunday Night Football has garnered significant recognition from the industry, winning 30 Sports Emmy Awards during Collinsworth’s 18 seasons with NBC (2006-2023). Notably, SNF became the first program to win the Outstanding Live Sports Series Emmy ten times, and has since reached eleven wins in this category. This sustained excellence reflects the high standards of production and on-air talent, with Collinsworth being a key component of SNF‘s Emmy-winning formula.
Individually, Collinsworth has amassed 17 Sports Emmy Awards, nine of which are for Outstanding Event Analyst, with seven earned since joining SNF in 2009. He shares an elite distinction with John Madden as the only NFL booth analysts to have been named Outstanding Sports Event Analyst since the award’s inception in 1993. His consistent recognition as an Emmy finalist in this category for 16 of the past 17 years speaks volumes about the consistent quality of his analysis.
Alt text: Cris Collinsworth accepting a Sports Emmy Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions and expertise in sports broadcasting.
Beyond his game-day analysis, Collinsworth is also highly regarded for his studio work. He holds the distinction of being the most honored studio analyst in sports television, with eight Sports Emmys in this category. During his time as a studio analyst and co-host of NBC’s Football Night in America (2006-2008), and as co-host of the Super Bowl XLIII Pregame Show, he showcased his versatility and depth of knowledge about the NFL.
In a 2019 Associated Press article highlighting iconic announcers in NFL history, Collinsworth was the only active game analyst recognized. The AP praised him as “Never shy to offer strong opinions, always well-prepared and adept at quickly analyzing plays,” and noted that he was “a perfect replacement for [John] Madden at NBC.” This recognition from a respected news organization further validates Collinsworth’s standing among the giants of NFL broadcasting.
NBC Sunday Night Football‘s remarkable run as the #1 primetime show was commemorated in 2017 with a display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This honor underscores the cultural impact of SNF and the significant role Collinsworth has played in its enduring success.
Collinsworth also served as the game analyst for NBC’s Thursday Night Football package for two seasons, partnering with Al Michaels in 2016 and Mike Tirico in 2017. The 2016 debut season of TNF on NBC/NFL Network became the second-highest-rated primetime show, while the 2017 season ranked third, demonstrating Collinsworth’s appeal across different broadcast platforms.
Prior to joining Sunday Night Football, Collinsworth received the 2008 Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio Analyst for his work on Football Night in America. In 2007, he achieved the rare feat of winning Emmys for both Outstanding Sports Studio Analyst (for Football Night and HBO’s Inside the NFL) and Outstanding Event Analyst (for NFL Network). His earlier Emmy wins in 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2006, for studio work on Fox and HBO, highlight his long-standing excellence and consistent critical acclaim throughout his broadcasting career.
Collinsworth’s Super Bowl analyst experience extends back to Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005 with Fox. He also served as an analyst for Super Bowl XLIX in 2015, which remains the most-watched show in U.S. television history with an average of 114.4 million viewers, and Super Bowl XLVI in 2012, which was the most-viewed program at the time. His involvement in these record-breaking broadcasts further emphasizes his prominence in the world of sports media.
Beyond his broadcasting career, Collinsworth is the majority owner of Pro Football Focus (PFF), a company that provides in-depth performance analytics for NFL and college football players. PFF’s unique grading system is utilized by all 32 NFL teams, showcasing Collinsworth’s entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to advancing the understanding of football through data-driven analysis.
Alt text: The Pro Football Focus logo, representing Cris Collinsworth’s venture into football analytics and his commitment to data-driven insights.
Collinsworth’s versatility extends beyond football to the Olympic Games. He has been part of NBC’s Olympic coverage on four occasions, beginning as a track and field reporter at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He has since served as a correspondent in Beijing (2008), Vancouver (2010), and Sochi (2014), even providing commentary during the Closing Ceremony of the Sochi Winter Olympics alongside Al Michaels.
Collinsworth’s initial foray into broadcasting came in 1990 when he joined NBC Sports as a game analyst for NFL and college football. His early assignments included prestigious events like the 1994 Fiesta Bowl and the 1995 Orange Bowl national championship game. In 1996, he transitioned to the NFL on NBC pregame show, earning his first Emmy Award in 1997 for his insightful analysis.
In 2005, Collinsworth joined the NFL on FOX broadcast team, partnering with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman to form the network’s lead broadcast crew. Prior to this, he had joined FOX Sports in 1998 as a member of the FOX NFL Sunday pregame show, further expanding his reach and influence in sports broadcasting.
Collinsworth’s transition to broadcasting followed an impressive eight-year NFL career as a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals (1981-1988). A three-time Pro Bowl selection, he played in 107 games, amassing 417 receptions for 6,698 yards and 36 touchdowns. He recorded four 1,000-yard seasons and played in Super Bowls XVI and XXIII. Notably, he still holds the Bengals’ all-time career receptions record, cementing his legacy as a standout player.
Alt text: Cris Collinsworth in action as a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, showcasing his successful NFL playing career before broadcasting.
Drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida, Collinsworth graduated with a degree in accounting. He was recognized as an All-America and Academic All-America during his college career and was inducted into the Academic All-America Hall of Fame in 2001. He furthered his education by earning a law degree from the University of Cincinnati Law School in 1991, demonstrating his commitment to both athletics and academics.
Cris Collinsworth’s football career, therefore, is a multifaceted success story. From his achievements as a player to his unprecedented accomplishments as a broadcaster, he has left an indelible mark on the sport. His insightful analysis, engaging personality, and deep passion for football have made him a beloved figure among fans and a respected voice within the NFL community. Married to Holly, with four adult children and five grandchildren, and with his son Jac now also working as an on-air commentator for NBC Sports, the Collinsworth legacy in sports broadcasting appears poised to continue for years to come.
