Holly Bankemper is an American attorney practicing in Fort Thomas and is a member of the Cincinnati Bar Association. She is primarily known as the long-time wife of celebrated sportscaster and former NFL player Cris Collinsworth. Cris, a former All-American at the University of Florida, has won fifteen ‘Sports Emmy Awards’ for his broadcasting work with NBC, Showtime, and the NFL Network. Both Holly and Cris attended the University of Cincinnati College of Law, though at different times. After her schooling in Cincinnati, Bankemper returned to her hometown to practice law and deliberately maintains a low profile, making only occasional public appearances with her husband and their successful, sports-involved children.
Holly Bankemper: Attorney and Spouse of Cris Collinsworth
Holly Bankemper, an American practicing attorney, is known both for her professional career and as the wife of celebrated sportscaster Cris Collinsworth. A native of Fort Thomas, Kentucky, she attended Highlands High School before pursuing her law degree at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, graduating in 1988.
Rise to Stardom and Relationship
Bankemper’s move to Cincinnati for law school significantly impacted both her professional and personal life. There, she met Cris Collinsworth, who was then playing for the Cincinnati Bengals. Their first encounter took place at The Precinct, a Cincinnati restaurant/nightclub partially owned by Cris. Cris, already a recognizable NFL figure, was immediately struck by Holly, a former University of Kentucky cheerleader who was about to begin law school.
The couple married on June 3, 1989, in a ceremony attended by family, friends, and notable figures, including Cincinnati Mayor Jerry Springer. Cris had previously attempted a public proposal during the 1988 MLB All-Star Game via the Jumbotron, a request commentator Al Michaels wisely rejected, much to Cris’s later relief. Following their marriage, the couple settled in her hometown of Fort Thomas, Kentucky, in a colonial-style home overlooking the Ohio River.
Professional Career and Privacy
While her husband’s fame grew exponentially with his transition into a fifteen-time ‘Sports Emmy Award’-winning broadcaster for NBC, Showtime, and the NFL Network, Bankemper has consciously maintained a low profile. She returned to her hometown to practice law and intentionally avoids sharing her private life on social media. While she shuns the spotlight, occasional pictures of her with her family can be found on their respective public profiles.
Cris also later pursued a legal education, earning his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law three years after Holly, in 1991.
Family Life of Holly Bankemper
Holly and Cris are parents to four children: two sons, Austin and Jac, and two daughters, Ashley and Katie. All of their children have connections to the sports world:
Austin Collinsworth: A successful high school and college football safety who captained his team at the University of Notre Dame. After a shoulder injury ended his playing career in 2014, he earned a Master’s in Finance and became the Vice President of Digital Distribution for Pro Football Focus.
Ashley Collinsworth: Ran track and field in school and college, often coached by her supportive father. She graduated from Harvard University with a degree in psychology in 2015.
Katie Collinsworth: Works as a manager in business marketing for the Golf Channel’s GolfNow.
Jac Collinsworth: Currently works as a features reporter on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown, having previously worked for the NBC network.
Net worth of Holly Bankemper
Holly Bankemper’s estimated net worth is about $3 million.