NBC Sports commentator Cris Collinsworth remains a familiar voice on Sunday Night Football, continuing his broadcasting career during the 2026 NFL season. The former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver, who began his 18th season in NBC’s primetime football booth in September, has also maintained a long marriage to his wife, Holly Bankemper Collinsworth.
Cris and Holly married on June 3, 1989, shortly after his retirement from professional football. The couple have four adult children and five grandchildren. Holly is an attorney and community volunteer who has built a career outside her husband’s television work.
Who Is Cris Collinsworth’s Wife Holly Bankemper?
Holly Bankemper Collinsworth was born on December 23, 1963, in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. Her parents are John and Charlene Bankemper, and she attended Highlands High School before enrolling at the University of Kentucky.
During college, Holly was a cheerleader for the Kentucky Wildcats. She later attended the University of Cincinnati College of Law, earning her law degree in 1988.
After graduating, Holly began practicing law and became a member of the Cincinnati Bar Association. Her professional work has included legal practice in Kentucky and Longboat Key, Florida.
She has also been involved in educational improvement projects and charitable organizations in her hometown.
How Did Cris Collinsworth Meet His Wife?
Cris Collinsworth met Holly Bankemper in Cincinnati during the mid-1980s, when he was playing wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Their introduction took place through mutual friends at The Precinct, a Cincinnati restaurant that Collinsworth co-owned. Holly was preparing to attend law school at the time.
The relationship developed while Collinsworth was approaching the final years of his NFL career.
In July 1988, he planned to propose during the Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Cincinnati’s Riverfront Stadium. He approached broadcaster Al Michaels about arranging a public proposal, but the plan did not proceed.
Instead, Collinsworth proposed to Holly on a bridge overlooking the Ohio River after the game.
They married on June 3, 1989, beginning a marriage that has lasted more than 37 years.
Holly Bankemper and Cris Collinsworth Have Four Children
Cris and Holly Collinsworth are parents to two daughters, Katie and Ashley, and two sons, Austin and Jac.
Their eldest daughter, Katie, was born in 1990. She attended the University of Florida and later worked in the golf industry, including with GolfNow.
Austin Collinsworth was born in December 1991 and played college football at Notre Dame, where he became a team captain. He later entered the sports business industry and became involved with Pro Football Focus.
Their daughter Ashley, born in 1993, attended Harvard University and competed in track and field.
Their youngest son, Jac Collinsworth, was born in February 1995. He followed his father into sports broadcasting, initially working with ESPN before joining NBC Sports in 2020.
The couple are also grandparents to five children.
Holly Collinsworth’s Legal Career and Charity Work
Alongside her legal career, Holly has supported education and healthcare initiatives in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas.
She served on the board of the Fort Thomas Education Foundation and was recognized as Highlands Alumnus of the Year in 2019.
In 2002, Holly and Cris established the Cris Collinsworth ProScan Fund, a nonprofit organization supporting breast cancer awareness, screening and early detection services.
The organization also operates youth development programs, including chess education initiatives.
Holly’s community work has included supporting improvements to local schools and expanding opportunities for children.
Her involvement in charitable activities has remained an important part of the family’s public work.
Cris Collinsworth’s Broadcasting Career and Family Life
Cris Collinsworth spent eight seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals between 1981 and 1988. He earned three Pro Bowl selections and appeared in two Super Bowls before retiring from professional football.
He subsequently moved into sports broadcasting, working with NBC, Fox and other networks.
In 2009, he became the lead analyst for NBC’s Sunday Night Football, initially working alongside Al Michaels. He later partnered with Mike Tirico.
Collinsworth also served as an analyst for Super Bowl LX in February 2026, marking his sixth Super Bowl assignment in that role.
Despite his extensive broadcasting schedule, he has frequently acknowledged Holly’s contribution to their family life.
In a January 2001 interview, Collinsworth said, “She’s great. I have a really strong wife.”
He added, “It’s amazing all that she can handle, particularly with as much as I’m away from home.”
The couple have maintained their family connections in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, where Holly grew up.
As of November 2026, Cris Collinsworth continues working as NBC’s Sunday Night Football analyst. He and Holly remain married, with their four adult children pursuing careers in broadcasting, business and other professional fields.