Who Did Chris Collinsworth Play Football For?

By Sarah Miller · March 1, 2031

Chris Collinsworth played college football for the University of Florida and professionally for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL.

College Career at the University of Florida

Chris Collinsworth began his football journey at the University of Florida, where he played as a wide receiver for the Florida Gators from 1978 to 1980. He quickly became one of the team's standout offensive players, known for his reliable hands and route-running ability.

Key Achievements in College

Played three seasons with the Florida Gators (1978–1980)
Recorded over 1,400 receiving yards during his collegiate career
Helped lead the Gators to multiple bowl appearances
Recognized as one of the top receivers in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) during his time

Professional Career with the Cincinnati Bengals

After an impressive college career, Chris Collinsworth was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round (62nd overall) of the 1981 NFL Draft. He played his entire professional career with the Bengals from 1981 to 1988.

Collinsworth was a key contributor during the Bengals' rise in the 1980s, including their appearance in Super Bowl XVI following the 1981 season and Super Bowl XXIII after the 1988 season.

NFL Career Highlights

Played eight seasons exclusively with the Cincinnati Bengals
Appeared in two Super Bowls (XVI and XXIII)
Recorded 368 receptions for 4,221 yards and 22 touchdowns over his career
Known for his consistency and durability despite battling injuries

Season	Team	Games Played	Receptions	Receiving Yards	Yards per Catch	Touchdowns
1981	CIN	15	37	541	14.6	5
1982	CIN	9	26	377	14.5	2
1983	CIN	16	49	610	12.4	4
1984	CIN	16	54	678	12.6	3
1985	CIN	16	53	634	12.0	3
1986	CIN	13	40	504	12.6	2
1987	CIN	15	57	535	9.4	2
1988	CIN	16	52	342	6.6	1

Table data source:1, 2

The table above shows Chris Collinsworth's year-by-year NFL performance with the Cincinnati Bengals. His most productive seasons came between 1983 and 1985, when he consistently recorded over 600 receiving yards. Despite a decline in yards per catch in later years, particularly in 1988, he remained a dependable target throughout his career.

Legacy and Post-Football Career

Though injuries limited his peak performance, Chris Collinsworth’s reliability and professionalism earned him respect across the league. After retiring in 1988 due to chronic knee issues, he transitioned into broadcasting, laying the foundation for his son Cris Collinsworth, who would later become a prominent NFL analyst.

His contributions helped shape the Bengals' identity during a competitive era, and he remains a respected figure among former players and fans alike.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chris Collinsworth's Football Career

What college did Chris Collinsworth play football for?

Chris Collinsworth played college football for the University of Florida from 1978 to 1980 as a wide receiver for the Florida Gators.

Which NFL team did Chris Collinsworth play for?

Chris Collinsworth played his entire NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals from 1981 to 1988.

Did Chris Collinsworth win a Super Bowl?

Although Chris Collinsworth appeared in two Super Bowls (XVI and XXIII) with the Cincinnati Bengals, he did not win an NFL championship.

How many seasons did Chris Collinsworth play in the NFL?

Chris Collinsworth played eight seasons in the NFL, all with the Cincinnati Bengals, from 1981 to 1988.

What were Chris Collinsworth's career stats in the NFL?

Over his NFL career, Chris Collinsworth recorded 368 receptions for 4,221 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns in 116 games.