Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Holly Bankemper |
| Born | November 23, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Fort Thomas, Kentucky, USA |
| Education | BA, University of Kentucky (1985); JD, University of Cincinnati College of Law (1988) |
| Occupation | Attorney (General Practice) |
| Professional Affiliations | Cincinnati Bar Association |
| Spouse | Cris Collinsworth (married June 3, 1989) |
| Children | Katie, Austin (born Dec 24, 1991), Ashley, Jac (born Feb 13, 1995) |
| Residence | Fort Thomas, Kentucky |
| Community Involvement | Board member, Cris Collinsworth ProScan Fund; Highlands High School Alumni honoree |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $3 million |
Early Life and Education
Born on November 23, 1964, in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, Holly Bankemper grew up in a family that prized education, community, and perseverance. At Highlands High School, she brought energy to Friday nights as a cheerleader—an early signal of the poise and presence she would carry into her professional life. In 1985, she graduated from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree, having cheered for the Wildcats and embraced the rhythms of campus life in Lexington.
Bankemper’s academic ascent continued north at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor in 1988. Law school proved pivotal in more than one way: it was there she met her future husband, former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Cris Collinsworth, who was shifting gears from professional football to the world beyond the gridiron. Their meeting set the foundation for a partnership anchored in shared values, ambition, and family.
Legal Career and Community Work
With her JD in hand, Bankemper launched a general practice legal career in Fort Thomas that has spanned more than three decades. Known for steady counsel and grounded judgment, she has built a reputation for reliability over flash—an attorney whose clients trust the work even when the spotlight is elsewhere. Her professional ties include the Cincinnati Bar Association, reflecting cross-river collaboration that’s common in the Greater Cincinnati legal community.
Beyond the courtroom and client meetings, Bankemper’s civic footprint is notable. She serves on the board of the Cris Collinsworth ProScan Fund, an organization focused on breast cancer advocacy, education, and support services. In 2019, Highlands High School recognized her contributions with an Alumnus of the Year honor, a nod to her ongoing efforts to improve local education and support school rebuilding projects in Fort Thomas. If her legal career is the compass, then her community work is the map—both guiding and widening the path for others.
Family Ties
Holly and Cris married on June 3, 1989, settling in Fort Thomas while raising a family that blends sports, media, and business—a choir of distinct voices harmonizing under the same roof. Despite Cris’s high-profile broadcasting career, Holly remains the grounded center, balancing legal practice and family life with a quiet strength.
The Collinsworth Children
| Name | Born | Education | Career | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Katie Collinsworth Hughes | 1990 | BA in Public Relations, University of Florida | Marketing and TV production roles at ProScan Imaging, GolfNow, NBC Olympics | Married to Patrick Hughes (May 2017); four children: Hollyn Elizabeth, Beau Bennett, Sophie Banks, Juliet Kathryn |
| Austin Collinsworth | December 24, 1991 | BBA in Finance, Notre Dame (2014) | Former Notre Dame safety; COO, Pro Football Focus | — |
| Ashley Collinsworth Briley | — (1990s) | BA in Psychology, Harvard | Track and field standout; Director of Content Production at Medality | Married to Jared Briley (Oct 6, 2023); one child, Collins Charlene Briley (2024) |
| Jac Collinsworth | February 13, 1995 | Notre Dame graduate (2017) | Sportscaster at NBC; host of Football Night in America; on-air roles covering Notre Dame football, NASCAR, and more | — |
Extended family ties include Cris’s parents—Abraham “Abe” Collinsworth (1925–2012), a high school educator and former University of Kentucky basketball player under Adolph Rupp, and Donetta Browning Collinsworth (1937–2023). Cris’s brother Greg passed away in 2004. These roots, from Lexington to Florida to Ohio, form the backdrop to a family that navigates public life with private grace.
A Sports-Media Arc: Cris Collinsworth
While Holly’s name isn’t often in headlines, she is married to a figure who frequently is. Cris Collinsworth—born January 27, 1959, in Dayton, Ohio—starred for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1981 to 1988, tallying 417 receptions, 6,698 receiving yards, and 36 touchdowns. He transitioned to television and became a staple of NFL broadcasting, earning multiple Sports Emmy Awards for analysis and presentation. For Holly, that journey has meant a rhythm of travel schedules, primetime broadcasts, and Sunday-night spotlights—counterbalanced by reliable routines at home and the everyday cadence of legal practice.
Philanthropy and Civic Presence
Bankemper’s philanthropy pivots around women’s health and education. Through the ProScan Fund, she supports breast cancer screening, education, and advocacy, helping steer resources to local communities. In Fort Thomas, her contributions to school improvements are equally tangible: alumni engagement, fundraising support, and visible civic leadership. She’s the kind of advocate whose impact is measured in classrooms refurbished, programs funded, and neighbors supported.
Recent Mentions and Media Presence
In 2025, most mentions of Bankemper appear in family-focused articles highlighting Cris’s broadcasting career, updates on their children, and the arrival of grandchildren. Her social media footprint is minimal, reflecting her preference for privacy over public platform. You may spot her name in local features, community programs, or occasional family profiles, but her day-to-day remains grounded: client work, family events, and board responsibilities.
Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1964 | Born November 23 in Fort Thomas, Kentucky |
| Early 1980s | Cheerleader at Highlands High School |
| 1985 | Graduates from the University of Kentucky (BA) |
| 1988 | Earns Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law |
| 1989 | Marries Cris Collinsworth (June 3) |
| 1990 | Daughter Katie is born |
| 1991 | Son Austin is born (December 24) |
| 1990s | Daughter Ashley is born; son Jac is born (February 13, 1995) |
| 2012 | Cris’s father, Abe Collinsworth, passes away |
| 2017 | Katie marries Patrick Hughes (May) |
| 2019 | Named Highlands High School Alumnus of the Year |
| 2023 | Ashley marries Jared Briley (October 6); Donetta Collinsworth passes away |
| 2024 | Ashley and Jared welcome daughter Collins Charlene Briley |
| 2025 | Continues legal practice and community advocacy; family features tied to Cris’s career |
FAQ
Who is Holly Bankemper?
She is a general practice attorney from Fort Thomas, Kentucky, best known publicly as the spouse of broadcaster and former NFL player Cris Collinsworth.
When did Holly and Cris Collinsworth get married?
They married on June 3, 1989.
How many children do Holly and Cris have?
They have four children: Katie, Austin, Ashley, and Jac.
What is Holly Bankemper’s educational background?
She holds a BA from the University of Kentucky (1985) and a JD from the University of Cincinnati College of Law (1988).
What does Holly do in the community?
She serves on the board of the Cris Collinsworth ProScan Fund and has supported local school rebuilding efforts.
Where does the family live?
Holly and Cris reside in Fort Thomas, Kentucky.
What is her estimated net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at approximately $3 million, derived from her long-standing legal career.
Is Holly active on social media?
She maintains a minimal public presence on social platforms, reflecting her preference for privacy.
