Holly Bankemper is a name that resonates with both professional success and personal grace. A practicing attorney based in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, Holly is better recognized as the wife of Cris Collinsworth, a former professional American football player turned sports broadcaster. Despite being married to a well-known sports figure, Holly has maintained a low profile, focusing on her legal career and family life. This article delves into her life, providing a detailed overview of her background, career, family, and more.
Early Life and Education
Born on November 23, 1964, in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, Holly Bankemper grew up in a close-knit family. She has a brother and a sister, and she spent her early years in her hometown. Holly attended Highlands High School in the Fort Thomas Independent School District, where she was an active and engaged student. Following her high school graduation, she moved to Cincinnati to pursue a law degree at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. This decision would not only shape her professional career but also her personal life, as it led to her meeting her future husband, Cris Collinsworth.
Career as an Attorney
After completing her education, Holly Bankemper returned to her hometown of Fort Thomas to begin her career as a practicing attorney. She became a member of the Cincinnati Bar Association, a prestigious professional organization for attorneys in the Cincinnati area. Holly’s legal career has been marked by dedication and professionalism, and she has earned respect within the legal community for her work.
Despite being married to a sports celebrity, Holly has kept her professional life private, rarely stepping into the limelight. Her commitment to her career is evident, and she continues to practice law with the same passion she had when she first started.
Meeting Cris Collinsworth
Holly Bankemper’s life took a significant turn when she met Cris Collinsworth, a prominent figure in American football, at a popular restaurant/nightclub in Cincinnati called The Precinct. At the time, Holly was about to enter law school, and Cris was already a well-known player for the Cincinnati Bengals. The story of their meeting is often recounted with a sense of serendipity. Cris, who had the opportunity to date several women during his NFL career, was instantly drawn to Holly.
The two were introduced by mutual friends, and their first date was set up under amusing circumstances. Cris’s friends had jokingly told him that Holly was a 30-year-old divorcee with two kids, but he decided to go on the date anyway. To his surprise, Holly was nothing like what his friends had described, and the two hit it off immediately.
Marriage and Family Life
Holly Bankemper and Cris Collinsworth’s relationship blossomed, and in 1988, Cris proposed to Holly during an MLB All-Star Game in Cincinnati. Initially, Cris had planned to propose on the Jumbotron, but the idea was rejected by commentator Al Michaels. Looking back, Cris believes that Holly would have hated the public proposal, even if she had said yes. The couple eventually tied the knot on June 3, 1989, in a ceremony attended by family, friends, and several sports personalities, including Jerry Springer, who was the mayor of Cincinnati at the time.
After their marriage, the couple moved to Fort Thomas, Kentucky, where they built a beautiful colonial-style house on a hill overlooking the Ohio River. Holly and Cris have four children together: Austin, Ashley, Katie, and Jac Collinsworth. Each of their children has followed their own path, achieving success in their respective fields.
Children’s Accomplishments
The Collinsworth children have all made a name for themselves, particularly in the world of sports. Austin Collinsworth was a talented high school football player who went on to play as a safety for the University of Notre Dame, where he later became the varsity captain. Unfortunately, his football career was cut short in 2014 due to a shoulder injury that required surgery. Despite this setback, Austin earned his master’s degree in Finance and is now the Vice President of Digital Distribution for the app Pro Football Focus.
Ashley Collinsworth pursued a degree in psychology from Harvard University, where she also excelled in track and field. Her father, Cris, was a supportive presence, coaching the teams she was part of. Katie Collinsworth, another talented member of the family, works as a manager in business marketing at Golf Channel’s ‘GolfNow’. Jac Collinsworth, who initially worked for NBC during the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is currently a features reporter on ESPN’s ‘Sunday NFL Countdown’.
Holly Bankemper’s Net Worth
While Holly Bankemper has achieved professional success in her own right, she is also part of a financially successful family. Her independent net worth is estimated to be around $3 million, while her husband Cris Collinsworth’s net worth is approximately $14 million. Cris’s career as a sports broadcaster, coupled with his previous NFL earnings, has contributed significantly to their combined wealth.
Life Away from the Spotlight
Holly Bankemper is a private individual who prefers to stay away from the media glare. Despite being married to a high-profile sports figure, she has managed to keep her personal life out of the public eye. She does not share much about her life on social media, but she does make occasional appearances alongside her husband and children at various events.
Her focus remains on her family and her career, and she continues to be a supportive wife and mother. Holly’s ability to maintain a low profile while being part of a famous family is a testament to her strong character and sense of privacy.
Interesting facts about Holly Bankemper
Age
- Birthdate and Zodiac Sign: Holly Bankemper was born on November 23, 1964, making her a Sagittarius. Her zodiac sign is often associated with qualities like optimism, independence, and a love for adventure.
- Age in 2024: As of 2024, Holly Bankemper is 59 years old. Despite her age, she has maintained a vibrant personal and professional life.
Husband
- Married to Cris Collinsworth: Holly Bankemper is married to Cris Collinsworth, a former professional American football player and renowned sports broadcaster. Cris played for the Cincinnati Bengals and has won fifteen ‘Sports Emmy Awards’ for his work in television.
- A Love Story with a Twist: Holly and Cris met at The Precinct, a popular Cincinnati restaurant/nightclub, under amusing circumstances. Cris’s friends jokingly told him that Holly was a 30-year-old divorcee with two kids, which wasn’t true. Despite the prank, the couple hit it off immediately.
- Long-Lasting Marriage: Holly and Cris got married on June 3, 1989, and have been together for over three decades. Their strong bond is evident in their enduring marriage and the successful family they’ve raised together.
Family
- Mother of Four: Holly and Cris have four children: two sons, Austin and Jac, and two daughters, Ashley and Katie. Each of their children has pursued their own path, with notable achievements in academics, sports, and professional careers.
- Supportive Parent: Holly has been a supportive mother, encouraging her children’s pursuits. For example, her daughter Ashley ran track and field at Harvard University, and her son Austin played football at the University of Notre Dame.
- Family-Oriented: Despite their busy lives, Holly and Cris have focused on creating a close-knit family, with their home in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, serving as a central hub for family gatherings and activities.
Net Worth
- Independent Net Worth: Holly Bankemper has an estimated net worth of $3 million, which she has earned through her successful career as a practicing attorney.
- Combined Wealth: When combined with her husband Cris Collinsworth’s net worth, which is approximately $14 million, the couple enjoys significant financial stability and success.
- Living in Luxury: Holly and Cris reside in a beautiful colonial-style home in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, overlooking the Ohio River. The home reflects their success and provides a comfortable and luxurious environment for their family.
Conclusion
Holly Bankemper is much more than just the wife of Cris Collinsworth. She is a successful attorney, a dedicated mother, and a private individual who values her family and career. Her journey from Fort Thomas to Cincinnati, where she met the love of her life, is a story of determination, love, and professional success. Despite the fame that comes with being married to a sports celebrity, Holly has remained grounded and focused on what truly matters to her. Her life is a perfect example of how one can balance personal and professional success while maintaining a sense of privacy.
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