Cris Collinsworth NFL Career Overview
Cris Collinsworth played wide receiver in the National Football League for eight seasons, primarily with the Cincinnati Bengals. He was selected in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft and became a reliable target in the Bengals offense. His career combined route running, reliable hands, and consistent production in both regular season and postseason contests. More details on his draft and career can be found on the official NFL website at nfl.com.
Collinsworth finished his playing career with 562 receptions for 8,631 yards and 56 touchdowns over 120 games. He averaged 15.4 yards per catch and ranked among the top receivers of his era in both yardage and touchdowns. His numbers placed him in the Bengals franchise record books and highlighted his role as a deep threat. Additional career statistics are available on Pro Football Reference at pro-football-reference.com.
Super Bowl Wins and Postseason Performance
Collinsworth earned two Super Bowl rings with the Cincinnati Bengals, appearing in Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XXIII. In Super Bowl XVI, the Bengals faced the San Francisco 49ers, and Collinsworth contributed as a key offensive weapon. His postseason performances reinforced his reputation as a clutch receiver in high-stakes games.
During his playoff career, Collinsworth recorded multiple seasons with significant reception totals and touchdowns. He helped the Bengals reach the Super Bowl in consecutive years, a rare achievement for a wide receiver of his era. His ability to perform in the postseason underscored his value to the team during critical moments.
Post-Playing Career and Legacy
After retiring from the NFL, Collinsworth transitioned into broadcasting and became a prominent football analyst. He joined NBC as a lead color commentator for Sunday Night Football and contributed to major broadcast coverage of the NFL. His playing experience and deep knowledge of the game made him a trusted voice for fans and networks alike.
Collinsworth also founded Pro Football Focus, a data and analytics company that provides advanced statistics and scouting insights for the NFL and other sports. The company has become a respected source for player evaluation and performance analysis. His work with Pro Football Focus demonstrates how former players can build influential businesses around sports data and insights, as described on the company's official site at profootballfocus.com.