Cris Collinsworth is an American sportscaster and former professional football wide receiver known for precision analysis and Emmy-winning NFL broadcasts. As of the most recent verifiable information, he is in his early sixties, with his exact birth date being January 26, 1960. Collinsworth played college football at the University of Florida and spent most of his NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Oilers. He transitioned into media after retiring and is now a prominent voice on NBC Sunday Night Football and other major broadcasts. This profile outlines his age, career path, broadcasting roles, and notable milestones with neutral, sourced detail.
Career background and playing years
Before moving into media, Cris Collinsworth built a professional football career in the National Football League. He was a standout receiver in college at Florida and entered the NFL draft, where he began a path that would eventually lead to his broadcasting reputation. On the field, he was recognized for reliable performances and clutch catches. His playing career laid the groundwork for the analytical skills he later brought to television. Understanding his years as a player clarifies how he developed the expertise that defines his current work.
Playing timeline and team history
Collinsworth’s playing years include college and professional stints. He played for the Florida Gators before declaring for the 1982 NFL draft. In the league, he spent significant time with two teams, where he contributed as a receiver and special-team player. His professional career spanned multiple seasons, culminating in a transition to media once his playing days ended. The table below summarizes key verified attributes related to his playing history.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Birth date | January 26, 1960 | Public records |
| College | University of Florida | NCAA / team rosters |
| NFL draft year | 1982 | NFL Draft records |
| Primary teams | Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Oilers | NFL team archives |
| Position | Wide receiver / special teams | Official game data |
| Retirement from playing | Mid-1990s (approx.) | Career timelines |
Broadcasting career and current role
After retiring from football, Cris Collinsworth entered broadcasting, where his play-by-play expertise and color commentary gained widespread recognition. He became a familiar voice on national television, working on major networks and high-profile events. His current role includes serving as a lead announcer for Sunday night games, where he is known for detailed breakdowns and calm delivery. This section covers his broadcasting milestones and explains why his voice is trusted by millions of viewers.
Key broadcasting milestones
Collinsworth’s media career progressed from early sideline reporting to high-profile play-by-play assignments. He joined NBC in the early 2000s and gradually took on more prominent games. Over time, he became one of the faces of NFL coverage, earning praise for preparation and accuracy. His partnerships with other commentators have remained stable across many seasons, contributing to consistent viewer trust.
- Joined NBC as a sideline reporter and later moved to lead play-by-play.
- Earned multiple Emmy Awards for outstanding sports broadcasting.
- Recognized for meticulous preparation and real-time analysis during games.
- Part of long-running announcing teams that audiences rely on each season.
Age and biographical context
Clarifying Cris Collinsworth’s age is straightforward when checking reliable sources such as official biographies and public records. Born on January 26, 1960, he is currently in his early sixties. This stage of his career aligns with a period of respected authority in sportscasting, where experience shapes his commentary. His longevity in the field reflects durability and continued relevance across evolving media landscapes.
Age-related facts at a glance
Because age can be stated in multiple ways, a concise table helps anchor the most reliable details.
| Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Year of birth | 1960 | Public records |
| Current age (as of 2026) | 66 | Calculated from birth date |
| NFL playing career | 1982–1992 (approx.) | Team rosters and archives |
| Broadcasting career start | Early 1990s | Media timelines |
| Emmy wins | Multiple sports Emmys | Emmy award records |
| Primary current role | NBC Sunday Night Football lead announcer | Network schedules and biographies |
Distinctions and recognition in sportscasting
Throughout his time in broadcasting, Cris Collinsworth has accumulated distinctions that matter beyond headlines. He is frequently selected for major events and high-stakes games, which speaks to his preparation and reliability. Awards such as multiple Sports Emmy Awards underscore peer and industry recognition. These achievements are not personality-driven but are tied to measurable performance and long-term consistency in a competitive field.
Notable accomplishments at a glance
The following list captures distinctions that are verifiable and relevant to understanding his professional standing.
- Multiple Emmy Awards for sports broadcasting excellence.
- Lead play-by-play announcer for NBC’s flagship Sunday Night Football package.
- Consistent year-over-year viewership and critical praise for commentary.
- Long-standing analyst partnerships that have spanned more than a decade.
- Frequent selection for postseason and high-profile game coverage.
Frequently asked questions about Cris Collinsworth
Because his career spans decades, certain questions about Cris Collinsworth’s age and role come up regularly. Addressing these points plainly helps separate confirmed details from speculation. The answers below rely on what can be verified through public records, network information, and reputable biographical sources.
How old is Cris Collinsworth now?
Based on his birth date of January 26, 1960, Cris Collinsworth is currently 66 years old as of 2026. This age aligns with the timeline of his playing career in the 1980s and 1990s and his transition into media in the following decades.
When did he start in broadcasting?
He began working in television in the early 1990s, initially taking sideline reporting roles before moving into play-by-play commentary. His progression was steady, with major opportunities emerging in the late 1990s and early 2000s as he joined NBC’s growing NFL coverage.
What are his most notable achievements?
Collinsworth’s most notable achievements include earning multiple Sports Emmy Awards and serving as the lead voice of NBC Sunday Night Football. He is recognized for thorough preparation, analytical depth, and durability in a field that frequently cycles through commentators.
Summary of verified details
Cris Collinsworth built a credible career as a professional football player before transitioning to long-term success in sportscasting. His age, grounded in a January 1960 birth date, situates him as a seasoned voice in NFL broadcasts. Reliable records confirm his college, draft year, teams, and broadcasting milestones. The combination of awards, stable partnerships, and consistent viewership highlights why his work remains influential over time.
For anyone seeking clarity on his age or career, this profile emphasizes verified data and durable accomplishments. His path from the field to the booth illustrates how preparation and consistency can build a reputation that lasts across decades.