When millions of viewers tune into NBC's Sunday Night Football, they see Cris Collinsworth breaking down complex plays with the effortless confidence of a three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver. Away from the bright studio lights and high-stakes broadcasting booths, however, his life revolves around a much quieter constant: his wife, Holly Bankemper. While her husband lives in the public eye, Holly has spent decades carving out a completely independent identity as a practicing attorney and community pillar in Kentucky.
Understanding the dynamic behind one of sports broadcasting's most recognizable voices requires looking past the television screen. Their relationship bridges the gap between intense professional athletics, demanding media schedules, and a grounded family foundation built in the American Midwest.
Who Is Holly Bankemper?
Holly Bankemper was born on December 23, 1963, in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, where she was raised alongside her family. She attended Highlands High School, establishing deep roots in her hometown that she would maintain for the rest of her life. Unlike many partners of high-profile athletes who chase celebrity culture, Holly chose a path rooted in rigorous academic and professional achievement.
She attended the University of Kentucky for her undergraduate studies before pursuing her true professional calling in the legal field. She enrolled at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, earning her Juris Doctor in 1988. She has maintained a long-standing career as a general attorney, holding membership in the Cincinnati Bar Association and practicing law across local Kentucky circuits. Her ability to balance a demanding law career with raising a large family has frequently been cited by Cris as the true anchor of their household.
How Cris and Holly Met
The couple's paths crossed during their college years in the Greater Cincinnati area. Holly was an undergraduate student and a cheerleader at the University of Kentucky, while Cris was establishing his professional football career and eventually transitioning into local studies.
They both attended the University of Cincinnati College of Law around the same era, deepening their intellectual bond. Cris famously proposed to Holly on a bridge overlooking the Ohio River before they officially tied the knot on June 3, 1989—shortly after he concluded his eight-season NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Instead of moving to a coastal media hub like New York or Los Angeles when Cris transitioned into broadcasting, the couple made a deliberate choice. They settled down permanently in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, keeping Holly close to her parents, siblings, and lifelong support system. Cris has frequently noted in interviews that staying in Fort Thomas was the single best decision they made for the stability and normalcy of their family.
Family Life and Their Four Children
Cris and Holly share four adult children: Katie, Austin, Ashley, and Jac. Rather than shying away from sports, the entire Collinsworth household embraced athletics and sports media, creating a modern sports dynasty of their own.
- Austin Collinsworth: Their eldest son played college football as a safety and team captain for the University of Notre Dame before earning his master's degree and stepping into executive leadership within sports analytics.
- Katie Collinsworth: Katie attended the University of Florida and built a successful career in digital marketing and business management within the golf industry, working closely with major sports networks.
- Ashley Collinsworth: A standout academic and track-and-field athlete, Ashley graduated from Harvard University with a degree in psychology before entering the hospitality and sales sector.
- Jac Collinsworth: Following most visibly in his father's footsteps, Jac graduated from Notre Dame and carved out a prominent career as a sports broadcaster and host for ESPN and NBC Sports.
The family has also expanded to include multiple grandchildren, turning the quiet Fort Thomas residence into a frequent gathering place for the extended family.
Balancing Law, Media, and Philanthropy
Maintaining a marriage for over three decades while one partner travels extensively for Thursday Night Football and Sunday Night Football requires immense coordination. Cris has often acknowledged that Holly's steady hand at home made his demanding media career possible.
Beyond her law practice, Holly has dedicated significant time to local philanthropy. She has been heavily involved in community development initiatives, supporting local educational infrastructure, and advocating for health-related causes in Northern Kentucky. Her commitment to remaining a private citizen has shielded her family from the more intrusive aspects of modern celebrity culture, allowing her children to grow up with a strong sense of normalcy despite their father's fame.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Cris and Holly Collinsworth get married?
They got married on June 3, 1989, shortly after Cris finished his playing career in the NFL.
What is Holly Bankemper's profession?
Holly is a licensed attorney who earned her J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law and has practiced law in Kentucky for decades.
Where do Cris and Holly live?
They reside in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, where Holly grew up and where they raised their four children.
Do any of their children work in sports media?
Yes. Their son Jac works as a sports broadcaster for NBC and ESPN, while other children have pursued roles in sports business, digital media, and athletics.
