What Really Happened to Cris Collinsworth? Why is Cris Collinsworth Not Calling the Game Tonight?

Cris Collinsworth, the renowned American sports broadcaster and former NFL wide receiver, has been a familiar face in the world of sports broadcasting. However, recently, fans may have noticed his absence from the Sunday Night Football broadcast. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind his break and take a closer look at his illustrious career.

Who is Cris Collinsworth?

Before we explore his absence, let’s start with a brief overview of Cris Collinsworth’s background. Born on January 27, 1959, Collinsworth made a name for himself as a wide receiver in the NFL. He played eight seasons from 1981 to 1988, all with the Cincinnati Bengals. Before his NFL career, he showcased his football skills at the University of Florida, where he earned recognition as an All-American.

During his NFL days, Collinsworth’s prowess as a wide receiver earned him three Second-team All-Pro selections, three Pro Bowl appearances from 1981 to 1983, and a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 1981. His college career was equally impressive, with a First-team All-American title in 1980 and three First-team All-SEC honors from 1978 to 1980.

What Happened to Cris Collinsworth?

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter – Cris Collinsworth’s recent absence from the Sunday Night Football broadcast. While Collinsworth was on the call for the Thanksgiving Day game between the 49ers and Seahawks, he decided to take a break for the rest of the weekend, a tradition he has observed in past Thanksgiving weekends. This move allowed him to spend quality time with his family, prioritizing personal time during the holiday season.

This isn’t the first time Collinsworth has taken time off during NBC’s Thanksgiving weekend games; last year, he was also absent for the Thanksgiving matchup between the Vikings and the Patriots. However, fans need not worry, as Collinsworth is expected to return to the broadcast booth next Sunday night for the Week 13 game between the Packers and the Chiefs in Green Bay.

Cris Collinsworth Career Highlights

Cris Collinsworth’s career is a remarkable journey that spans both the NFL and the world of sports broadcasting. Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1981, he made his mark as a wide receiver known for exploiting mismatches with his height and speed. His rookie season set reception records, and he achieved over 1,000 yards receiving four times.

After retiring from football, Collinsworth transitioned into broadcasting, starting as a sports radio host and later joining HBO’s “Inside the NFL” in 1989. He became a prominent figure in NFL broadcasting, ultimately leading to his assignment on Super Bowl XXXIX. In 2009, Collinsworth joined NBC’s Sunday Night Football as a color commentator, where he continued to excel, now in his fourteenth season alongside Mike Tirico.

Beyond football, Collinsworth has been involved in television projects, including hosting “Inside the Vault” on WGN America. His signature “Collinsworth Slide” before each game has become a recognizable aspect of his broadcasting style, solidifying his legacy both on and off the field.

Cris Collinsworth Net Worth

Collinsworth’s career transitions have been financially rewarding. His net worth stands at an impressive $25 million. While he earned a substantial income during his NFL days, his broadcasting career has been a major contributor to his wealth. He was reportedly earning $4 million annually for many years. In December 2021, it was reported that Collinsworth signed a new contract with NBC, significantly boosting his salary to $12.5 million per year. His diverse career and lucrative broadcasting roles have solidified his financial success.

Why the Break from Calling the Game?

Now, you might be wondering why Cris Collinsworth opted to take a break from calling the game tonight. As mentioned earlier, it’s primarily due to his prior commitment to call the Thanksgiving Day Game. This decision allowed him to recharge and spend valuable time with his family during the holiday season.

Instead of Collinsworth, Jason Garrett, the former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, stepped in as the announcer alongside Mike Tirico for the Ravens and Chargers game, which is currently airing on NBC. This unexpected change garnered mixed reactions from fans on social media, with some expressing excitement for a game without Collinsworth, while others had different opinions.

In conclusion, Cris Collinsworth’s absence from the Sunday Night Football broadcast is a deliberate choice to prioritize family time during the Thanksgiving weekend. It’s a tradition he’s upheld in recent years, and fans can look forward to his return to the booth for the upcoming Week 13 game in Green Bay. Collinsworth’s illustrious career, both as a player and a broadcaster, has left an indelible mark on the world of football, and his financial success reflects his contributions to the sports broadcasting industry.

What Happened to Cris Collinsworth? – FAQ

1. Where is Cris Collinsworth during the Sunday Night Football game? Cris Collinsworth is taking his annual holiday break and is not in the broadcast booth for the Ravens vs. Chargers game.
2. Why is Jason Garrett filling in for Cris Collinsworth? Collinsworth’s absence is due to his decision to spend time with his family over the Thanksgiving weekend. Jason Garrett is stepping in as the analyst.
3. Will Cris Collinsworth return to Sunday Night Football? Yes, Collinsworth is expected to return to the booth for the Week 13 game between the Packers and the Chiefs in Green Bay.
4. How long has Cris Collinsworth been a color commentator on Sunday Night Football? Cris Collinsworth has been a color commentator on Sunday Night Football since 2009, and he is currently in his 15th season on the telecast.
5. What is Cris Collinsworth’s net worth? Cris Collinsworth’s net worth is $25 million as of 2023, with a significant boost in his salary to $12.5 million per year from a new contract with NBC in December 2021.