Holly Bankemper, an accomplished attorney and the wife of former NFL star and renowned sports commentator Cris Collinsworth, has successfully balanced her legal career and family life while remaining supportive of her husband’s public career. Often seen on the sidelines during his broadcasts, Holly’s life is one of strength, resilience, and dedication to both her profession and her family. This article delves into Holly Bankemper’s early life, her relationship with Cris Collinsworth, her career, family, and the challenges and successes she has faced along the way.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Holly Bankemper was born and raised in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, a quiet and affluent community located just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. Little is known publicly about Holly’s early life and family background, but her upbringing in the region is integral to the trajectory of her personal and professional life. From a young age, Holly demonstrated intelligence, ambition, and a dedication to her education.
Holly’s passion for the law became evident during her college years. She attended the University of Kentucky, where she was also a cheerleader, and it was through mutual friends at the university that she first met her future husband, Cris Collinsworth. At that time, Cris was on his way to becoming a football star for the Cincinnati Bengals. Their relationship would eventually lead to a lifelong partnership, both personally and professionally.
Meeting Cris Collinsworth and Law School
Holly Bankemper’s life took a pivotal turn when she met Cris Collinsworth during her time as a cheerleader at the University of Kentucky. The pair hit it off and continued to build their relationship as Cris’ football career took off. After graduating from the University of Kentucky, Holly pursued a legal career, enrolling in the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Her decision to attend law school would prove to be one of the defining choices of her life.
Cris and Holly attended law school together, and their bond grew stronger during this time. Holly graduated in 1988, while Cris completed his law degree in 1991, following his NFL retirement. Despite Cris’ focus on his football and broadcasting career, he often expressed admiration for his wife’s accomplishments, crediting Holly for her strength and ability to manage their household and careers.
In a 2001 interview with Cincinnati Magazine, Cris remarked, “I have a really strong wife. It’s amazing all that she can handle, particularly with as much as I’m away from home.” This comment underscores Holly’s significant role in balancing family life, Cris’ demanding career, and her own professional pursuits.
Marriage and Family Life
Holly Bankemper and Cris Collinsworth were married on June 3, 1989, marking the start of their partnership both as a couple and as professionals. The couple settled in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, where they have since raised their four children: Ashley, Austin, Jac, and Katie Collinsworth. The Collinsworth family has remained close-knit, with each child pursuing their own unique path while drawing inspiration from their parents.
The couple’s oldest child, Ashley Collinsworth, followed a path similar to her mother, excelling academically and athletically. She graduated from Harvard University and has carved out her own career. Austin Collinsworth, their second child, played college football for the University of Notre Dame, where he served as team captain during his time from 2010 to 2013.
Jac Collinsworth, the couple’s third child, has followed directly in his father’s footsteps. Jac joined NBC Sports as a commentator in 2020 and has become a prominent face within the network, hosting various sports events. Their youngest daughter, Katie Collinsworth, maintains a more private life, keeping out of the spotlight.
Despite Cris Collinsworth’s demanding career as a sports commentator, which often requires him to be away from home for extended periods, Holly has managed the challenges of raising four children while also maintaining her legal career. Cris often speaks highly of Holly’s strength and ability to handle the responsibilities of their household.
Holly Bankemper’s Legal Career
As a practicing attorney, Holly Bankemper has built a successful legal career in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. While much of her legal work has been kept private, her reputation in the community speaks to her dedication and professionalism. Holly is known for her commitment to her clients and her passion for justice.
Holly’s legal expertise has been crucial in helping her balance the complexities of life as the wife of a public figure. She has managed to maintain her own identity and career while supporting Cris in his broadcasting career and raising their family. Her ability to juggle these responsibilities has been a testament to her organizational skills and work ethic.
Income and Financial Success
While Holly Bankemper’s personal net worth has not been widely publicized, her legal career, coupled with her marriage to Cris Collinsworth, has contributed to a comfortable and affluent lifestyle. Cris Collinsworth’s estimated net worth is reported to be around $20 million, a result of his successful football career and long-standing role as one of the most prominent sports commentators in the industry. Holly’s professional earnings as a practicing attorney add to their family’s overall wealth.
The Collinsworths have invested in real estate and other ventures over the years, ensuring their financial stability. Despite their wealth, Holly and Cris have remained grounded, often prioritizing their family life and community involvement over the public spotlight.
Balancing Public and Private Life
Living life in the public eye has its challenges, particularly for Holly, who has remained relatively private despite her husband’s fame. However, Holly’s ability to manage public appearances, handle media attention with grace, and maintain her own career while supporting Cris has been impressive. Her low-profile approach allows her to focus on her family and work without getting overwhelmed by public scrutiny.
Holly has often attended high-profile events and supported Cris during his major career milestones, including his appearances at Super Bowl broadcasts and his numerous Emmy Award wins for sports commentary. She has also been an integral part of the family’s philanthropic endeavors, quietly contributing to causes that are important to their community.
Challenges and Successes
Holly Bankemper’s journey has not been without its challenges, particularly when it comes to managing the demands of a high-profile life and career. Balancing her responsibilities as a mother, wife, and attorney has required dedication and resilience. With Cris Collinsworth’s extensive travel schedule and high-profile career, Holly has often taken on the primary responsibility for raising their four children and managing the household.
Her successes in both her personal and professional life are a testament to her strength and adaptability. Holly’s ability to support Cris while maintaining her own career and raising their family showcases her multifaceted capabilities.
Conclusion
Holly Bankemper is an inspiring figure who has managed to successfully balance a demanding legal career with the responsibilities of raising a family and supporting her high-profile husband, Cris Collinsworth. Her ability to navigate public and private life with grace and resilience speaks to her strength and determination.
As an attorney, mother, and wife, Holly has proven that she is more than just the spouse of a famous sports commentator—she is a strong and capable individual with her own accomplishments and identity. Through her dedication to her career, family, and community, Holly Bankemper has quietly built a life of success, stability, and fulfillment, earning admiration from all who know her.