That kind of money doesn’t just come from a single paycheck. It’s the result of a smart, multi-decade career that started on the football field and exploded in the broadcast booth and the world of business. His journey is a fascinating look at how an athlete can transform their brand into a lasting financial empire.
From Touchdowns to Television: A Financial Evolution
Collinsworth’s wealth wasn’t built overnight. It was a gradual climb, with his earnings as a player laying the groundwork for a much more lucrative future in media.
The Early Days: An 8-Year NFL Career
Long before he was a household name as a broadcaster, Collinsworth was a star wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals. Throughout his entire eight-year NFL career in the 1980s, he earned an estimated $2 to $3 million.
While that’s a solid chunk of change, it’s a far cry from what top players make today. More importantly, it served as the financial launchpad for the next, far more profitable, chapter of his life.
The Broadcasting Boom: A Game-Changing Career Move
Once he retired from the NFL, Collinsworth didn’t waste any time. He jumped into broadcasting, starting with local radio and quickly proving he had a natural talent for it. He moved up the ranks to networks like HBO and FOX before landing his iconic role at NBC.
This is where his income really took off. After earning a steady $4 million a year, his expertise and popularity led to a massive new contract in 2021. Now, Cris Collinsworth’s salary is a staggering $12.5 million per year, placing him among the highest-paid sports analysts on television.
The Business of Football: The Pro Football Focus (PFF) Empire
But Collinsworth isn’t just a voice for hire. He’s also a sharp entrepreneur. As the majority owner of Pro Football Focus (PFF), he turned a data-driven passion project into an indispensable tool for teams, media, and fans.
PFF has become the gold standard for football analytics. Its value was put on full display in 2021 when private equity firm Silver Lake invested $50 million for a minority stake. This investment cemented PFF as a major force in the sports industry and a cornerstone of Collinsworth’s personal wealth.
More Than a Broadcaster: Building a Financial Legacy
Collinsworth’s financial success isn’t limited to his NBC salary and PFF ownership. He’s made other smart moves that have helped grow his fortune.
A Savvy Real Estate Play
One of the best examples of his investment mindset is his home in Kentucky. Back in 2000, he and his wife bought a five-acre plot of land for a modest $100,000. They’ve since developed it into a beautiful multi-million dollar family compound, showing a talent for long-term, value-driven investments.
Giving Back and Family Life
Despite his demanding career, Collinsworth remains grounded. He’s a dedicated family man, living a relatively private life with his wife, Holly, and their four children. He also gives back to the community through his Proscan Fund, a charity dedicated to fighting breast cancer.
The Final Score: How Collinsworth’s Wealth Stacks Up
Cris Collinsworth’s journey from the gridiron to the broadcast booth is a powerful story of career reinvention. He has successfully parlayed his on-field knowledge into a dominant media presence and a thriving business.
His annual salary puts him in the top echelon of sports broadcasting, and his ownership of PFF gives him a unique and valuable asset. Collinsworth’s net worth is a powerful reminder that with smart decisions and a forward-thinking mindset, an athlete’s career can be just the beginning of their financial success story.
