Cris Collinsworth's NFL career was one of the most successful in history.

Cris Collinsworth is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. He is best known for his time with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro selection. Collinsworth was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Collinsworth was born in Dayton, Ohio, and played college football at the University of Florida. He was drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. Collinsworth quickly became a starter for the Bengals and was one of their most productive receivers throughout his career. He led the Bengals in receiving yards in six of his 12 seasons with the team.

Collinsworth was known for his great hands, route running, and ability to make big plays. He was also a very durable player, starting 143 of the 144 games he played in during his career.

After retiring from the NFL, Collinsworth became a successful sportscaster. He has worked for NBC Sports since 1990 and is currently the lead analyst for NBC's Sunday Night Football.

Collinsworth is married to Holly Bankemper and they have four children. He is a devout Christian and is involved in several charitable organizations.

Cris Collinsworth is one of the most successful and respected figures in NFL history. He was a great player on the field and has been a great broadcaster off the field. He is a true icon of the game.

Cris Collinsworth NFL Career

Cris Collinsworth's NFL career was one of the most successful in history. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, two-time All-Pro selection, and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Collinsworth was known for his great hands, route running, and ability to make big plays. He was also a very durable player, starting 143 of the 144 games he played in during his career.

• Wide receiver
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Pro Bowl
• All-Pro
• Hall of Fame
• Great hands
• Route running
• Big plays

These key aspects of Cris Collinsworth's NFL career all contributed to his success as a player. He was a great receiver who was able to make big plays and was also very durable. Collinsworth was a key member of the Bengals team for many years and helped them to achieve success. He is one of the most successful and respected players in NFL history.

1. Wide receiver

A wide receiver is a player on the offensive team in American football who lines up wide of the offensive tackles. They are responsible for catching passes from the quarterback and advancing the ball down the field. Wide receivers are typically fast and agile, with good hands and route-running abilities.

• Receiving Yards
  

  One of the most important aspects of a wide receiver's game is their ability to gain receiving yards. Collinsworth was a very good receiver of the football, and he led the Bengals in receiving yards in six of his 12 seasons with the team.

• Touchdowns
  

  Another important aspect of a wide receiver's game is their ability to score touchdowns. Collinsworth was a very good touchdown scorer, and he scored 47 touchdowns during his career.

• Blocking
  

  In addition to catching passes, wide receivers are also responsible for blocking. Collinsworth was a very good blocker, and he helped the Bengals to establish a strong running game.

• Leadership
  

  Wide receivers can also be leaders on their team. Collinsworth was a very vocal leader on the Bengals, and he helped to motivate his teammates to play their best.

These are just a few of the many facets of the wide receiver position. Cris Collinsworth was a very good wide receiver, and he excelled in all aspects of the game. He was a key member of the Bengals team for many years, and he helped them to achieve success. He is one of the most successful and respected wide receivers in NFL history.

2. Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional American football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the North Division of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL). The Bengals have won two AFC Championships and have appeared in three Super Bowls, but have yet to win a Super Bowl title.

• Drafting Collinsworth
  

  The Bengals drafted Cris Collinsworth in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. Collinsworth quickly became a starter for the Bengals and was one of their most productive receivers throughout his career. He led the Bengals in receiving yards in six of his 12 seasons with the team.

• Success with the Bengals
  

  Collinsworth was a key member of the Bengals team for many years. He helped the Bengals to win two AFC Championships and appear in three Super Bowls. Collinsworth was also a four-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro selection.

• Legacy with the Bengals
  

  Collinsworth is one of the most successful and respected players in Bengals history. He is a member of the Bengals Ring of Honor and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

The Cincinnati Bengals played a major role in Cris Collinsworth's NFL career. He was drafted by the Bengals and spent 12 seasons with the team. Collinsworth was a key member of the Bengals team for many years and helped them to achieve success. He is one of the most successful and respected players in Bengals history.

3. Pro Bowl

The Pro Bowl is an annual all-star game in the National Football League (NFL). It is played between the best players in the AFC and NFC conferences. The Pro Bowl is a prestigious honor, and it is a testament to Cris Collinsworth's skill and talent that he was selected to the Pro Bowl four times during his career.

• Recognition of Excellence
  

  Being selected to the Pro Bowl is a recognition of excellence. It means that a player is among the best in the NFL at their position. Collinsworth was one of the best wide receivers in the NFL during his career, and his four Pro Bowl selections are a testament to his skill and talent.

• Fan Voting
  

  The Pro Bowl is voted on by fans, players, and coaches. This means that Collinsworth was not only recognized by his peers as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, but he was also popular with fans.

• High Level of Competition
  

  The Pro Bowl is a high-level of competition. It is a chance for the best players in the NFL to face off against each other. Collinsworth played in the Pro Bowl four times, and he always competed at a high level.

• Legacy
  

  Being selected to the Pro Bowl is a legacy that will last forever. Collinsworth's four Pro Bowl selections are a testament to his skill and talent, and they will always be a part of his legacy as an NFL player.

Cris Collinsworth's four Pro Bowl selections are a testament to his skill and talent as a wide receiver. He was one of the best players in the NFL during his career, and he was always a threat to make a big play. Collinsworth's Pro Bowl selections are a legacy that will last forever, and they are a reminder of his greatness as a player.

4. All-Pro

All-Pro is a prestigious honor given to the best players in the National Football League (NFL) at their respective positions. It is a testament to Cris Collinsworth's skill and talent that he was selected as an All-Pro twice during his career.

• Recognition of Excellence
  

  Being named an All-Pro is a recognition of excellence. It means that a player is among the best in the NFL at their position. Collinsworth was one of the best wide receivers in the NFL during his career, and his two All-Pro selections are a testament to his skill and talent.

• Fan Voting
  

  The Pro Bowl is voted on by fans, players, and coaches. This means that Collinsworth was not only recognized by his peers as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, but he was also popular with fans.

• High Level of Competition
  

  The Pro Bowl is a high-level of competition. It is a chance for the best players in the NFL to face off against each other. Collinsworth played in the Pro Bowl four times, and he always competed at a high level.

• Legacy
  

  Being named an All-Pro is a legacy that will last forever. Collinsworth's two All-Pro selections are a testament to his skill and talent, and they will always be a part of his legacy as an NFL player.

Cris Collinsworth's two All-Pro selections are a testament to his skill and talent as a wide receiver. He was one of the best players in the NFL during his career, and he was always a threat to make a big play. Collinsworth's All-Pro selections are a legacy that will last forever, and they are a reminder of his greatness as a player.

5. Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a professional football player. It is a testament to a player's skill, talent, and dedication to the game. Cris Collinsworth was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011, a fitting honor for one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history.

Collinsworth's Hall of Fame induction is a culmination of his many accomplishments on the field. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, two-time All-Pro selection, and member of the Bengals Ring of Honor. Collinsworth led the Bengals in receiving yards in six of his 12 seasons with the team, and he scored 47 touchdowns during his career.

Collinsworth was a complete wide receiver. He had great hands, excellent route running skills, and the ability to make big plays. He was also a very durable player, starting 143 of the 144 games he played in during his career.

Collinsworth's Hall of Fame induction is a testament to his greatness as a player. He was one of the most successful and respected wide receivers in NFL history. He is a role model for young players and an inspiration to all who love the game of football.

6. Great hands

Cris Collinsworth was known for his great hands. This was a key component of his success as a wide receiver in the NFL. Collinsworth had a natural ability to catch the football, even in difficult situations. He was also able to make catches in traffic and hold on to the ball even when he was hit. This made him a very dangerous receiver, and it was one of the reasons why he was so successful in the NFL.

Collinsworth's great hands were a result of both natural ability and hard work. He spent countless hours practicing catching the football, and he developed a unique technique that allowed him to catch the ball with ease. He also had very strong hands, which allowed him to hold on to the ball even when he was hit. This made him a very reliable receiver, and it was one of the reasons why quarterbacks loved to throw to him.

Collinsworth's great hands were a key factor in his success as a wide receiver. He was able to make catches that other receivers couldn't, and this made him a very valuable asset to his team. He was a big part of the Bengals' success in the 1980s and 1990s, and he is considered one of the best wide receivers in NFL history.

7. Route running

Route running is a skill that wide receivers use to get open and create separation from defenders. It involves using a combination of speed, agility, and deception to create space between the receiver and the defender. Cris Collinsworth was one of the best route runners in NFL history. He was able to use his quickness and agility to create separation from defenders and get open for passes. This made him a very dangerous receiver, and it was one of the reasons why he was so successful in the NFL.

Collinsworth's route running was a key component of his success as a wide receiver. He was able to create separation from defenders and get open for passes, even against the best cornerbacks in the NFL. This made him a very valuable asset to his team, and it was one of the reasons why he was so successful.

There are many different types of routes that wide receivers can run. Some of the most common routes include the slant, the out, the curl, and the post. Collinsworth was able to run all of these routes effectively, and he was also able to improvise and create his own routes. This made him a very difficult receiver to cover, and it was one of the reasons why he was so successful in the NFL.

Route running is a skill that all wide receivers need to have in order to be successful. It is a skill that takes time and practice to develop, but it is a skill that can make a big difference in a receiver's career. Cris Collinsworth was one of the best route runners in NFL history, and he is a role model for all wide receivers who want to be successful.

8. Big plays

Cris Collinsworth was known for his ability to make big plays. This was a key component of his success as a wide receiver in the NFL. Collinsworth had a knack for making big catches in, and he was always a threat to score a touchdown. This made him a very valuable asset to his team, and it was one of the reasons why he was so successful in the NFL.

• Clutch catches
  

  Collinsworth was known for his ability to make big catches in. He had a knack for coming up with big plays when his team needed them most. This was evident in his performance in the 1988 AFC Championship Game. With the Bengals trailing the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 in the fourth quarter, Collinsworth made a catch on a pass from quarterback Boomer Esiason. This catch helped the Bengals to come back and win the game, and it is considered one of the most iconic plays in Bengals history.

• Long touchdowns
  

  Collinsworth was also known for his ability to score long touchdowns. He had a knack for getting behind the defense and making big plays. This was evident in his performance in the 1985 season. In a game against the Houston Oilers, Collinsworth caught a pass from quarterback Ken Anderson and ran 75 yards for a touchdown. This was the longest touchdown catch of his career, and it is one of the most memorable plays in Bengals history.

• Game-winning plays
  

  Collinsworth also had a knack for making game-winning plays. He had a knack for coming up with big plays when his team needed them most. This was evident in his performance in the 1989 season. In a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Collinsworth caught a pass from quarterback Boomer Esiason and ran 45 yards for a touchdown with just seconds remaining in the game. This touchdown gave the Bengals a 24-21 victory, and it is one of the most memorable plays in Bengals history.

Collinsworth's ability to make big plays was a key component of his success as a wide receiver in the NFL. He was a big part of the Bengals' success in the 1980s and 1990s, and he is considered one of the best wide receivers in NFL history.

FAQs on Cris Collinsworth's NFL Career

Cris Collinsworth enjoyed a successful NFL career spanning 12 seasons. Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1981, he quickly established himself as a standout wide receiver, earning numerous accolades and contributing significantly to the team's achievements. Here are some frequently asked questions about his notable NFL career:

Question 1: What were Cris Collinsworth's career highlights?

Cris Collinsworth's NFL career was marked by several notable achievements. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time All-Pro selection, and a member of the Bengals' Ring of Honor. Moreover, he led the Bengals in receiving yards six times during his 12 seasons with the team, showcasing his consistent productivity and impact on the offense.

Question 2: What was Collinsworth's greatest strength as a wide receiver?

Cris Collinsworth possessed a combination of exceptional skills that made him a formidable wide receiver. However, his greatest strength was his route running ability. He displayed an innate understanding of defensive coverages and utilized his quickness and agility to create separation from defenders, consistently finding open spaces to receive passes.

Question 3: Did Collinsworth ever win a Super Bowl?

Despite his impressive individual accomplishments and contributions to the Bengals, Cris Collinsworth never won a Super Bowl during his playing career. The Bengals reached the Super Bowl three times during his tenure, but they were defeated on each occasion.

Question 4: How did Collinsworth transition from playing to broadcasting?

Following his retirement from the NFL, Cris Collinsworth successfully transitioned into a career in sports broadcasting. He joined NBC Sports in 1990 and has since become one of the most respected and renowned NFL analysts. His insightful commentary, combined with his playing experience, provides valuable perspectives for viewers.

Question 5: What is Collinsworth's legacy in the NFL?

Cris Collinsworth's legacy in the NFL is one of excellence and professionalism. As a player, he was a highly skilled and productive wide receiver who contributed significantly to the Bengals' success. As a broadcaster, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the NFL, providing insightful analysis and commentary for millions of fans.

In summary, Cris Collinsworth's NFL career was marked by individual achievements, team success, and a smooth transition into a successful broadcasting career. His legacy as a player and broadcaster continues to inspire and inform fans of the game.

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Conclusion

Cris Collinsworth's NFL career was marked by exceptional achievements and a lasting impact on the game. As a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, he showcased his exceptional skills, earning multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. Collinsworth's ability to make big plays, his precise route running, and his strong hands made him a valuable asset to the Bengals' offense.

Beyond his on-field success, Collinsworth has also made significant contributions to the sport as a broadcaster. His insightful analysis and commentary have provided valuable perspectives for football fans. His legacy as both a player and a broadcaster solidifies his status as one of the most respected figures in the NFL.