Cris Collinsworth is known worldwide as an NFL broadcaster, predominantly on NBC’s Sunday Night Football. The former Florida Gator great, along with broadcasting partner Mike Tirico, form one of the top duos covering the NFL on any network.
Collinsworth lends his talent to Showtime and NFL Network and has become a savvy businessman following his NFL career as the majority owner of Pro Football Focus. But did he play for the Cincinnati Bengals?
Did Cris Collinsworth Play for the Bengals?
The 17-time Sports Emmy Award winner was a star receiver at the University of Florida, where he was named an All-American. Many college football fans may not remember, but colleges recruited Collinsworth as a run-first QB. The Gator great still has an NCAA record … as a passer. In his first pass as a college football player, Collinsworth unloaded a 99-yard TD pass to Derrick Gaffney, a record that still stands.
A change in offensive philosophy elevated the future NFL broadcaster’s playing career. The Gators struggled during Collinsworth’s first collegiate season. The option offense ran into better teams, and the Gators’ coaching staff realized the offense needed a change, so they adopted a more pro-style offense.
Florida coach Doug Dickey moved the former running QB to the WR position, setting Collinsworth’s career in motion for the better. Collinsworth had a familiar face coaching the receiver position, former Heisman Trophy-winning QB and future “Head Ball Coach” Steve Spurrier.
Although the change in offensive philosophy wasn’t able to right the course for the Florida program, and head coach Dickey was fired, the move made Collinsworth one of the most consistent receivers in the SEC and college football. Collinsworth claimed first-team all-SEC recognition during his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons and first-team All-American his senior season.
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The former multi-time Sports Emmy winner developed into one of the most prolific receivers in Gators history. Collinsworth caught 120 passes for 1,937 yards while scoring 14 touchdowns. The versatile athlete ran for 210 yards during his career and returned 30 kickoffs for 726 yards. The Gator receiver ended his career in style, being named MVP of the 1980 Tangerine Bowl.
The Bengals liked what they saw from the Florida receiver so much they selected Collinsworth in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft.
Collinsworth’s Bengals Career in Review
The Gators legend hit the ground running during his rookie season, becoming the Bengals’ top receiver immediately. Collinsworth set the Bengals’ rookie record with 67 receptions, which was the best mark by any rookie receiver in the previous 21 years.
He eclipsed 1,000 yards four times during his career. Collinsworth was named to the Pro Bowl from 1981-1983. Tirico’s future broadcast partner was a mismatch nightmare for the opposition. Collinsworth had wheels and stood 6’5″ — his angular verticality caused problems for the opposition.
The highlight of the Bengals greats career was his performance in Super Bowl XVI. Although he made a critical fumble that led to a 49er’s touchdown drive, Collinsworth played incredibly, hauling in five receptions for 107 yards as Cincinnati’s top receiver.
Did Collinsworth Play His Entire Professional Career With the Bengals?
Many football fans may not remember, but Collinsworth signed with another team during his professional career. In 1985, the Bengals franchise receiver departed the Cincinnati franchise to sign with the Tampa Bay Bandits of the United States Football League (USFL).
Collinsworth never played for the Bandits, failing his physical with an injured ankle. With the Bandits deal off, Collinsworth returned to Cincinnati to resume and finish his professional career. The Bengals legend played his entire career in Cincinnati, ending it in style with an appearance in Super Bowl XXIII.
