Cris Collinsworth’s 2 Sons: Getting to Know Austin and Jac Collinsworth
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Cris Collinsworth, a renowned former wide receiver and NFL commentator, is not only a sports icon but also a proud father to two sons, Austin and Jac Collinsworth. While Collinsworth carved his legacy as a Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals before transitioning into a successful career in sports media, his sons have also made notable strides in their respective fields, inspired by their father’s passion for sports.
In addition to Austin and Jac, Collinsworth and his wife, Holly Collinsworth, are also parents to two daughters. Austin chose to follow in his father’s footsteps in the world of athletics by playing safety for the University of Notre Dame. During his tenure at Notre Dame, he showcased exceptional skills that led to him being named team captain in his senior year, alongside earning Academic All-American accolades.
On the other hand, Jac veered towards the realm of sports broadcasting, inspired by his father’s illustrious career. Jac has taken on roles as a play-by-play announcer and host for NBC Sports, covering major sporting events such as the NFL, Notre Dame football, and the Olympics. Despite pursuing their individual aspirations, both Austin and Jac acknowledge the profound influence their father has had on their personal and professional lives.
Reflecting on his father’s impact, Austin shared, “It’s hard to find people you can trust and follow as a leader without any fear of being misled, but he has kind of been that for my entire life without fail.” Jac added, “Every time they say you sound just like him or you talk just like him or you remind me [of him] or your sense of humor … thank you. That’s the biggest compliment I could get.”
Austin Collinsworth, 33, was born on December 24, 1991, to Cris and Holly Collinsworth. Following his father’s footsteps, Austin excelled as a standout athlete, showcasing his talent as a safety for the University of Notre Dame. Despite encountering injuries that shortened his football career, Austin remained resilient and graduated with a degree in finance from Notre Dame before earning his master’s in business administration at the Mendoza College of Business.
Currently, Austin is the chief operating officer of sports analytics company Pro Football Focus, maintaining a close connection to the game he loves. Outside of work, Austin cherishes spending quality time with his family, as evidenced by his social media posts that capture memorable moments with his parents and siblings.
Jac Collinsworth, 30, was born on February 13, 1995, to Cris and Holly Collinsworth. Jac’s high school days were filled with sporting achievements as he excelled in varsity basketball and football. Additionally, Jac had the unique opportunity of being coached by his father when Cris joined the staff as a wide receivers coach in 2011.
Following his passion for broadcasting, Jac attended the University of Notre Dame, where he embarked on early broadcast experiences, including sideline production at Fighting Irish games. Jac’s professional journey led him to ESPN, where he covered the NFL and contributed to Sunday NFL Countdown before transitioning to NBC Sports in 2020, where he hosts Football Night in America and contributes to Notre Dame Football coverage.
Despite the inevitable comparisons and scepticism surrounding his career as the son of a prominent sports analyst, Jac remains focused on delivering quality work. He shared, “There’s always going to be chitter-chatter. At the end of the day, if the work stinks, I’m going to be gone. If it is good, I’ll be around. The only thing I care about is making the product good.”
In conclusion, Austin and Jac Collinsworth have not only honoured their father’s legacy in the world of sports but have also carved their paths to success in the fields they are passionate about. Their dedication to their careers, combined with their deep appreciation for their father’s influence, exemplifies their commitment to excellence and determination in achieving their goals amidst the spotlight of being the sons of a sports icon.