When I think of Chris Collinsworth, the NFL great, so many memories come to mind. A two-time Pro Bowler, he started his career with the Cincinnati Bengals in 1981. When he was drafted Collinsworth was a young, vibrant college player who would make an immediate impact on the game.
Collinsworth quickly became known for his acrobatic catches and uncanny ability to find open space in the opposing defenses. His outstanding play earned him the nickname “Spiderman” due to his long arms being able to catch the ball in almost any situation.
These years saw Collinsworth hit his stride, leading the Bengals to the AFC Championship Game in 1988 and making the Pro Bowl in 1989 thanks to his 1,000 yard receiving season. He continued his impressive career the following year, finishing second in the league in receptions with 94. Collinsworth also played for the San Francisco 49ers for a year in 1991, and capped off his career the following year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While playing in the NFL, Collinsworth was no stranger to hard work. He was known as one of the hardest workers on the team and always pushed himself and his teammates to reach their full potential. To this day one of my all-time favorite Collinsworth highlights is from an especially tough game against the Los Angeles Rams in his rookie season where he made a diving catch which turned out to be the winning play.
Throughout his career, Collinsworth was known for his willingness to be a great teammate. He would often go above and beyond to make sure everyone was included and accepted as an equal. This type of dedication helped create the solid locker room needed for the Bengals to become successful during his tenure.
As an avid NFL fan, I have great respect for what Collinsworth accomplished during his career. He was a leader both on and off the field, and set an example for the next generation of NFL superstars. It’s no surprise that he was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August 2008.
Apart from his on-field accomplishments, Collinsworth was also a great broadcaster. His insight and knowledge of the game made him one of the top commentators on the NFL Network. Furthermore, his regular appearances on NBC’s Football Night in America have become a football fan favorite. By melding his knowledge of the game with his on-field playing experience, Collinsworth was able to provide viewers with an insight that goes even beyond the game.
When looking back at his career, Chris Collinsworth was one of the greats. He was a leader on the field, a great teammate, and a successful broadcaster. It goes without saying that he was one of the greatest to have ever stepped on a stadium.