The $12.5 Million Man: 7 Shocking Facts About Cris Collinsworth’s 2025 Contract, Controversies, And 500th Broadcast

Anthony Cris Collinsworth remains one of the most recognizable and polarizing voices in sports broadcasting, and as of December 10, 2025, his career is hitting new milestones and securing its future. The long-time color analyst for NBC’s Sunday Night Football (SNF) has not only marked a historic career achievement by calling his 500th NFL game but is also on the verge of finalizing a monumental contract extension that will cement his place as one of the highest-paid analysts in television history. This deep dive uncovers the latest updates, the lucrative numbers, the family dynamic, and the enduring controversies that define the former Cincinnati Bengals star.

The year 2025 has been pivotal for Collinsworth, highlighted by significant professional updates that underscore his staying power in a volatile media landscape. From lucrative contract negotiations with NBC to a brief absence that sparked widespread speculation, the veteran broadcaster continues to dominate the NFL conversation, both on and off the air.

Anthony Cris Collinsworth: Full Biography and Profile

Anthony Cris Collinsworth’s journey from a high school quarterback to an NFL wide receiver and, ultimately, a multi-Emmy-winning broadcaster is a testament to his versatility and analytical mind.

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• Full Name: Anthony Cris Collinsworth
• Date of Birth: January 27, 1959
• Place of Birth: Dayton, Ohio
• High School: Astronaut High School (Titusville, Florida)
• College: University of Florida (Played wide receiver)
• NFL Draft: 2nd Round, 37th overall, 1981 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals
• NFL Career: Wide Receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals (1981–1988)
• NFL Pro Bowls: 3 (1981, 1982, 1983)
• Wife: Holly Bankemper Collinsworth (Married June 3, 1989)
• Children: Four—daughters Katie and Ashley, and sons Austin and Jac Collinsworth
• Current Role: Color Analyst for NBC's Sunday Night Football and Majority Owner of Pro Football Focus (PFF)
• Awards: 18 Sports Emmy Awards (including nine for Outstanding Event Analyst)
• Hall of Fame: Inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame (2023)

Collinsworth’s transition to broadcasting began immediately after his playing career, initially joining HBO’s Inside the NFL. He quickly moved up the ranks, working for NBC, Fox, and the NFL Network before settling into the coveted Sunday Night Football booth alongside Al Michaels (and currently Mike Tirico), a position he has held since 2009.

1. The Massive 2025 Contract Extension and Net Worth Update

The biggest news surrounding Cris Collinsworth in 2025 is his expected contract extension with NBC, a deal that solidifies his financial standing and long-term future with the network. This negotiation comes at a time when top-tier sports analysts command salaries comparable to elite athletes.

The veteran analyst is reportedly close to finalizing a new deal that will keep him in the Sunday Night Football booth for years to come. His current contract is believed to be paying him an annual salary of approximately $12.5 million. Industry reports suggest the new agreement will include a significant salary bump, further increasing his earnings and potentially extending his tenure through NBC’s broadcast of Super Bowl LXIV in early 2030.

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As of early 2025, Cris Collinsworth’s estimated net worth stands at an impressive $25 million. This wealth is not solely derived from his broadcasting salary but also from his entrepreneurial ventures, most notably as the majority owner of Pro Football Focus (PFF), a leading sports analytics and grading company.

2. Hitting the 500-Game Milestone in 2025

In November 2025, Cris Collinsworth reached a monumental career achievement, calling his 500th NFL game as a color analyst. This milestone is a rare feat in sports television, underscoring his longevity and consistent presence in the national spotlight. The game, which featured the Rams playing the Buccaneers at SoFi Stadium, was a tribute to his enduring impact on the sport’s coverage. His guiding principle, as reported, has always been to apply the critical thinking skills he developed while studying law to his analysis, aiming to explain the "why" behind every play.

Collinsworth’s 500 games include:

• His long-running tenure on Sunday Night Football (SNF).
• Previous work on NFL games for Fox Sports and NBC.
• His early career work on HBO’s Inside the NFL.

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3. The Polarizing Broadcast Style and Enduring Criticism

Despite his 18 Sports Emmy Awards, Collinsworth’s analytical style remains one of the most debated topics in sports media. His approach is often described as highly detailed and predictive, yet it frequently draws criticism from fans who perceive a strong bias or find his delivery grating.

The 'Now Here's A Guy...' Meme

Perhaps the most famous—or infamous—aspect of his commentary is the "Now here's a guy..." phrase, which has become a ubiquitous meme and impersonation on social media. Collinsworth himself has acknowledged and even chuckled at the meme, understanding that it's part of his public persona. This phrase, often used to set up a deep dive into a player's background or a specific tactical point, encapsulates his analytical, in-the-weeds style.

Accusations of Bias

A recurring critique is his perceived bias, particularly toward certain teams like the Cincinnati Bengals (his former team) or the Kansas City Chiefs in recent years. Fans often express frustration when they feel his analysis favors one side, leading to a "mute the TV" reaction from some viewers. Collinsworth, however, maintains that his goal is always to provide an objective, critical breakdown of the game’s dynamics.

4. The 2025 Thanksgiving Broadcast Absence

In a rare move, Collinsworth missed NBC’s Thanksgiving Day broadcast in November 2025. This brief absence led to immediate speculation among fans about his health or the status of his contract negotiations. Stepping in to fill the color analyst role alongside Mike Tirico was former Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett. While the reason for the absence was not widely publicized, it provided a glimpse into the potential future of the SNF booth and highlighted the difficulty NBC faces in finding a suitable replacement for the veteran analyst.

5. The Collinsworth Family Dynasty in Sports

Cris Collinsworth’s influence extends beyond his own career, with his family establishing their own presence in the sports world. He and his wife, lawyer Holly Bankemper Collinsworth, have four children: Katie, Ashley, Austin, and Jac.

His son, Jac Collinsworth, has followed directly in his father’s footsteps, carving out a successful career as a sports broadcaster for NBC Sports. Jac has worked on various NBC properties, including college football and NFL coverage, often leading to comparisons with his famous father. This family connection adds another layer of topical authority to the Collinsworth name, demonstrating a multi-generational commitment to sports media.

6. His Role as Majority Owner of PFF

Beyond the broadcast booth, Collinsworth is a major player in the sports analytics industry as the majority owner of Pro Football Focus (PFF). PFF is a subscription-based service that provides advanced statistics and player grading for the NFL and college football. This business venture is not just a source of his considerable net worth but also a key entity that informs his on-air commentary. His access to and belief in advanced metrics is a core component of his analytical style, differentiating him from more traditional commentators.

In early 2025, Collinsworth leveraged his PFF platform to release his own 2025 NFL Mock Draft, a highly anticipated event that further connects his media personality with his business acumen.

7. The Sports Emmy Collection and Hall of Fame Induction

Despite the criticism, Cris Collinsworth’s professional excellence is undeniable, evidenced by his remarkable collection of awards. He has won an astonishing 18 Sports Emmy Awards, including multiple honors for Outstanding Event Analyst, solidifying his status as one of the most decorated commentators in history. In 2023, he received one of the industry’s highest honors: induction into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. These accolades serve as a powerful counterpoint to his critics, demonstrating that his analytical, detail-oriented style is highly valued by his peers and the industry at large.