Who Is Holly Bankemper, Cris Collinsworth’s Wife? Her Life Beyond the Spotlight

When you hear the name Cris Collinsworth, you probably think of NFL Sundays, Super Bowls, and that famous voice calling big football plays. But there’s someone very special behind him who many people don’t know much about—his wife, Holly Bankemper.

Holly isn’t just “Cris Collinsworth’s wife.” She’s a strong, smart woman with a life full of hard work, love, and kindness. She’s a lawyer, a mom, a community helper, and someone who supports important causes like breast cancer care. In this article, we’ll take a close look at her life—where she came from, how she met Cris, what she does for work, and why her story is so inspiring.

Holly Bankemper Quick Bio

Holly Bankemper’s Early Life in Kentucky

Holly Bankemper was born on November 23, 1964, in a small town called Fort Thomas, Kentucky. This town is peaceful, friendly, and full of people who know each other. It’s the kind of place where neighbors wave and schools feel like family. Holly grew up there with her parents, a brother, and a sister.

Even as a young girl, Holly stood out. She was known for her warm smile and her positive energy. She liked to be involved in school activities and enjoyed being part of the community. Her early life in Fort Thomas helped her build strong values that she carried with her as she grew older—things like staying humble, helping others, and working hard.

A Cheerleader with Big Dreams

Holly went to Highlands High School, the same school where she later helped raise money years after she graduated. During her time there, she was a cheerleader. This wasn’t just for fun—cheerleading helped her build confidence, leadership skills, and strong friendships.

She later went to the University of Kentucky, where she also became a cheerleader for the Kentucky Wildcats. That’s right—she was cheering for the team that played against Cris Collinsworth’s old team! Funny enough, this little rivalry would later become a sweet part of their love story.

Even while cheerleading, Holly focused on her studies. She always believed in doing her best, no matter what. That balance of fun and focus made her someone people looked up to.

Holly Bankemper’s College and Law School Journey

After finishing her degree in 1985, Holly had bigger plans. She applied to law school and got into the University of Cincinnati College of Law. This school was known for being tough, but Holly was ready. She worked hard, studied long hours, and showed that she was serious about becoming a lawyer.

Here’s where something amazing happened—this is also where she met Cris Collinsworth.

Cris had already finished his NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals. He had played for eight years and was well-known in the city. But what many people don’t know is that after football, Cris went back to school—to law school, just like Holly.

They were both students at the University of Cincinnati, walking the same halls, studying for exams, and planning their futures. And slowly, something more than school started to happen between them.

How Holly Bankemper Met Cris Collinsworth

Their first meeting wasn’t in class—it happened at a restaurant called The Precinct, which Cris co-owned. Holly was there for dinner with a friend, and some of Cris’s friends were at the table next to hers. They introduced Holly and Cris. But here’s the twist—Cris’s friends told him Holly was a divorced mom in her 30s. It was just a joke, but it caught him off guard!

Once they started talking, though, everything changed. Holly wasn’t anything like the women Cris had dated before. She was smart, kind, and had a calm, honest way of speaking. They clicked right away.

They began dating soon after and grew closer while balancing law school and life. Their love grew slowly and steadily—not rushed or flashy, but real. By the summer of 1988, Cris was ready to propose. He first thought about doing it live on TV during a baseball game, but his friend Al Michaels advised against it. Instead, he chose a quiet moment on a bridge over the Ohio River. That peaceful spot was the perfect place to ask the most important question of his life.

The Wedding of Holly Bankemper and Cris Collinsworth

On June 3, 1989, Holly and Cris got married. Their wedding wasn’t huge or flashy, but it was filled with love. Friends, family, and even the mayor of Cincinnati at the time—Jerry Springer—were there to celebrate with them. It was a special day that marked the start of something even more special: a strong and lasting marriage.

After the wedding, the couple made an important choice. Instead of moving to a big city like Los Angeles, where Cris had job offers, they decided to stay in Holly’s hometown of Fort Thomas. They wanted to raise their future children in a place that felt safe, familiar, and full of community spirit.

They built a lovely colonial-style house on a quiet hill with a view of the Ohio River. It was peaceful, full of sunshine, and perfect for the kind of life they wanted.

Holly Bankemper’s Life as a Lawyer

Even after getting married, Holly never stopped working hard. She became a general practice attorney and started helping people in her community. She joined the Cincinnati Bar Association and earned a name for being honest, fair, and good at her job.

While Cris became more famous on TV, Holly chose to stay behind the scenes. She doesn’t give interviews, doesn’t post on social media, and rarely appears in the spotlight. But in courtrooms and community meetings, people know her and trust her.

She’s worked in Kentucky and Florida, quietly helping families, giving advice, and doing her job with care. Her work might not be on TV, but it’s just as important—maybe even more.

A Look at Holly Bankemper and Cris Collinsworth’s Children

Holly Bankemper and Cris Collinsworth have four children—Katie, Austin, Ashley, and Jac. Each one of them has done something impressive in life. Holly played a big role in raising them while still working as a lawyer.

• Katie Collinsworth is their oldest daughter. She studied public relations and now works in marketing. She also helped during the NBC Olympics in 2012. Katie is married to Patrick Hughes, and they have four children together. Holly is now a happy grandma, too!

• Austin Collinsworth, their oldest son, was once the captain of the Notre Dame football team. He later became the COO at Pro Football Focus, a sports company his dad owns. Austin stopped playing football after an injury but found success in business.

• Ashley Collinsworth went to Harvard University and was a fast and talented runner on the track team. She earned a degree in psychology and now works as a content director. She married Jared Briley in 2023 and had a daughter, Collins, in 2024.

• Jac Collinsworth followed his dad into sports broadcasting. He works with NBC Sports and appears on TV just like Cris. Jac is known for being smart, quick, and great on camera.

Holly’s kids are proof that you don’t have to be loud to raise strong, kind, and successful people. Her quiet care shaped their lives in the best way.

Holly Bankemper’s Quiet Role in the Collinsworth Family

While Cris was busy flying all over the country for NFL games and TV work, Holly Bankemper kept everything steady at home. She was the one helping with homework, cooking family dinners, and showing up at school events. Even with a full-time job, she stayed involved in her children’s lives.

Cris has said many times that he feels lucky to have her. He calls her “really strong” and has shared that the family would not have made it through the busy years without her. It wasn’t easy raising four kids while being married to someone who was often away. But Holly made it work with love, patience, and strength.

She may not be famous, but in her family, she’s a true star.

Holly Bankemper’s Work for Breast Cancer Awareness

One of the most powerful things Holly has done is help fight breast cancer. She works with the Cris Collinsworth ProScan Fund, a charity that helps women get early screening and support for breast cancer.

Holly doesn’t just attend events—she helps plan them, raise money, and spread the word. She believes that early care can save lives, and she works quietly to make sure women in her community can get the help they need.

Thanks to her efforts, many women have had access to important health checks that they might not have been able to afford. Holly’s work isn’t about fame—it’s about helping others when it matters most.

What Is Holly Bankemper’s Life Like Today?

As of 2026, Holly Bankemper still lives in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, in the same peaceful town where she was born. She lives in a beautiful colonial-style home with her husband and is often surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

She continues to work as a lawyer, but also spends time helping with charity, enjoying family moments, and being involved in local projects. She’s helped raise over $7 million to improve schools in her town, including the same high school she once cheered for.

Holly’s life today is full of love, purpose, and quiet joy.

Final Thoughts

Holly Bankemper’s life shows that strength doesn’t always have to be loud. You don’t need to be on TV to make a big difference. Her story is about building a strong family, giving back to her hometown, and staying true to who she is.

She raised four kind and successful children, helped her husband build a life after football, and spent years helping others through her legal work and breast cancer support. All of this—without ever asking for attention or praise.

Holly Bankemper, Cris Collinsworth’s wife, is a quiet hero. And her story reminds us that living a good, full life starts with heart, love, and hard work.

(FAQs)

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

Holly Bankemper was born on November 23, 1964. She is 62 years old in 2026. You might be surprised—she still looks young and full of energy!

How much money does Holly Bankemper have?

Holly has her own money. Her net worth is about $3 million in 2026. She earned it by working as a lawyer for many years.

What was Holly Bankemper like when she was young?

When she was younger, Holly was a cheerleader in both high school and college. She cheered for a team that was a rival of Cris Collinsworth’s team!

Is Holly Bankemper really Cris Collinsworth’s wife?

Holly has been married to Cris Collinsworth since 1989. They met in law school and have been together ever since.

Where does Holly Bankemper live now?

Holly lives in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, the same town where she was born. She chose a quiet and happy life there with her family.

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