Cris Collinsworth Biography

Anthony Cris Collinsworth, born January 27, 1959, played eight seasons in the NFL as a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football at the University of Florida, earning first-team All-American honors. His height and speed drew interest from southern college programs, leading him to accept an athletic scholarship under coach Doug Dickey. Though initially recruited as a quarterback, he threw a 99-yard touchdown pass on his first collegiate pass attempt. The University of Florida shifted from a run-oriented offense to a more balanced pro set attack in 1978. He served as a senior captain on the 1980 Gator team that achieved the largest one-year improvement in NCAA Division I football history. He was named MVP of the 1980 Tangerine Bowl following his collegiate career.