The Untold Story of Holly Bankemper, Cris Collinsworth’s Wife

When you think of NFL Sundays, you probably think of Cris Collinsworth, the voice behind so many big football moments. But behind this famous sportscaster is someone just as important—his wife, Holly Bankemper. You may not hear about her often, but she has a powerful story of her own.

Holly Bankemper isn’t just the wife of a former NFL star. She’s a smart, strong, and kind woman who has built her own successful career. She’s also a loving mother, a quiet community hero, and a big supporter of breast cancer awareness. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the real Holly Bankemper—her life, her work, her family, and all the things that make her special.

Holly Bankemper Quick Bio

Holly Bankemper’s Early Life

Holly Bankemper was born on November 23, 1964, in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, a small and friendly town near Cincinnati. She grew up in a close and loving family with a brother and a sister. Her hometown, surrounded by hills and a strong community spirit, helped shape who she is today.

From a young age, Holly showed she was sharp and confident. People in Fort Thomas still remember her smile and how active she was in school events. She always believed in working hard and staying true to her roots, even as life took her into bigger roles later on.

Holly Bankemper’s Educational Journey

Holly attended Highlands High School in Fort Thomas. This school means a lot to her—even years later, she stayed involved and helped raise money to improve it. In fact, she was even named Alumnus of the Year in 2019, which shows how much the school community still appreciates her.

Back then, Holly was a cheerleader, full of energy and school spirit. She continued cheerleading at the University of Kentucky, where she also did well in her studies. Being a cheerleader helped her build confidence, learn teamwork, and stay connected with her classmates.

After finishing her degree at the University of Kentucky in 1985, Holly didn’t stop there. She went on to law school at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, one of the top law schools in the area. This is where things really started to come together for her—not just in her career, but in her personal life too.

While many people remember Cris Collinsworth for his football career, they might not know that he also studied law. That’s how he and Holly met. They were both studying at the same law school, working hard, and building their futures. Holly earned her J.D. degree in 1988, right before Cris finished his studies.

Holly Bankemper and Cris Collinsworth’s Relationship

Their love story began in a fun and unexpected way. Holly was out to dinner with a friend at a Cincinnati restaurant. Some of Cris’s friends were there too, and they introduced the two. It turns out Cris’s friends had joked with him, saying Holly was a divorced mom in her 30s—but that wasn’t true at all! When they met, they clicked instantly.

They started dating soon after that night. Holly was calm, smart, and honest, and that’s what Cris loved about her. Their relationship grew stronger during law school, and it wasn’t long before they realized they were meant for each other.

Holly Bankemper and Cris Collinsworth got married on June 3, 1989. Their wedding was private but beautiful. Family and friends—including some big names from the world of football—were there to celebrate with them. The mayor of Cincinnati at the time, Jerry Springer, even attended!

After the wedding, the couple moved to Holly’s hometown of Fort Thomas. They built a colonial-style home on a quiet hill, overlooking the Ohio River. Instead of moving to a big city like Los Angeles (even though Cris had TV job offers there), they chose to stay close to their roots. They wanted a calm, close community to raise their kids—and that’s exactly what they found.

Holly’s Career as a Trusted Attorney

Even though she married a public figure, Holly Bankemper never stopped working on her own career. Since 1988, she has been a general practice attorney, helping people in her community with legal matters. She’s a member of the Cincinnati Bar Association and is known for being professional, fair, and trustworthy.

Unlike Cris, who is often seen on TV, Holly chose a life of privacy. She doesn’t appear in interviews and avoids social media. But in the courtroom and in her community, people respect her deeply. Her clients know she listens, understands, and always does her best to help them.

Holly and Cris’ Children

Cris and Holly have built a strong, loving family. They have four adult children, and each one has done something impressive in life. You can see how Holly’s values—hard work, kindness, and staying grounded—helped shape them.

• Katie Collinsworth works in marketing and has four kids of her own.

• Austin Collinsworth was a football captain at Notre Dame and is now a top executive at Pro Football Focus.

• Ashley Collinsworth went to Harvard and was a track star. She now works in content production.

• Jac Collinsworth followed in his father’s footsteps and works at NBC as a sportscaster.

Their children are a big part of Holly’s story. She raised them while managing a legal career and supporting Cris’s travels. It wasn’t always easy, but she made it work with love and quiet strength.

Her Work with Breast Cancer Awareness

One of the most inspiring parts of Holly Bankemper’s story is her passion for helping others. She is a proud board member of the Cris Collinsworth ProScan Fund, a group that supports breast cancer education and screening. While Cris may be the public face, Holly works behind the scenes to make a real difference.

The fund gives women access to early breast cancer detection through low-cost or free screening services. Holly helps raise money and spreads awareness so that more women can get the help they need, especially those who may not be able to afford it. She believes early care can save lives, and she puts her heart into this cause.

People in her hometown and across the region have praised Holly’s quiet but powerful work. She doesn’t do it for attention—she does it because she cares. Her efforts have brought real hope to many families.

Does Holly Bankemper Use Instagram?

Even though she is married to a well-known sports commentator, Holly Bankemper prefers a calm, private life. You won’t find her giving interviews or posting on Instagram. She chooses to focus on her family, her legal work, and helping her community.

Many people admire Holly for this choice. In a world where fame and followers seem important, she reminds us that living a good life doesn’t need to be loud. Her actions speak for her. That’s what makes her special.

Cris Collinsworth has said many times how grateful he is for her. While he’s flying across the country for work, Holly has always kept things steady at home. She’s the one who held it all together during the busy years—and still does today.

Where does Holly Bankemper live?

Holly and Cris live in a beautiful colonial-style home in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. Their house sits on a hill and has a peaceful view of the Ohio River. It’s not flashy or fancy—it’s warm, cozy, and filled with family memories.

They chose this home because it’s close to Holly’s family and the kids’ schools. Even when Cris had job offers in Los Angeles, they stayed in Fort Thomas. They liked the small-town feel and the strong community. It’s a place where neighbors know each other and kids can grow up with strong roots.

This home is where Holly raised her four kids, helped with homework, cooked family meals, and supported school events. She also played a big role in raising over $7 million to rebuild the local schools. That’s just another example of how much she cares about the people around her.

Fun Facts and Things You Didn’t Know About Holly

Want to hear some fun and surprising things about Holly Bankemper?

Did you know she used to be a cheerleader for a team that was a rival of Cris’s back in college? Imagine the stories they must have shared about those games!

Also, Cris once planned to propose to Holly during a live baseball game—but his friend Al Michaels talked him out of it. Instead, he popped the question on a quiet bridge over the Ohio River, and it turned out to be the perfect moment.

Even though she avoids the spotlight, Holly has been part of many big events. She’s attended the Kentucky Derby, sports award shows, and even Super Bowls—always standing proudly by Cris’s side.

Final Thoughts

Looking at everything she has done, it’s clear that Holly Bankemper has built a life full of meaning. She’s not just “Cris Collinsworth’s wife”—she’s a dedicated lawyer, a loving mom, a breast cancer supporter, and a strong woman who made her own choices.

She raised four successful children who now shine in their own careers. She stood by her husband through his football and broadcasting years. She worked hard in law for over 30 years and still finds time to give back to her community.

In a world that often celebrates loud voices, Holly’s quiet strength stands out even more. Her story shows that you don’t have to be in the spotlight to make a big difference. You just need heart, patience, and a strong sense of who you are.

(FAQs)

Who is Cris Collinsworth’s wife, and do they have kids?

His wife is Holly Bankemper. She’s a lawyer. They have four kids, and all of them are doing great in sports, TV, or business.

Was Holly Bankemper a cheerleader when she was young?

Yes! She was a cheerleader in school and in college. The fun part? She cheered for a team that was a rival of Cris’s team!

How old is Holly Bankemper, and when was she born?

She was born on November 23, 1964. She is 60 years old in 2025.

Is she really a lawyer and involved in cancer help?

Yes! Holly has been a lawyer for over 35 years. She also helps women by supporting breast cancer care and early checkups.

How much money does Holly Bankemper have?

Holly has her own money. Her net worth is about $3 million, thanks to her law job and charity work.