[25] and as of 2022 is in his fourteenth season of the high-profile telecast, and is now paired with Mike Tirico, after Michaels was named the new play-by-play announcer for Prime Videos coverage of Thursday Night Football. At Notre Dame, Owusu-Koramoah would play in the slot but often rush off the edge, stealing pitches, blowing up screens and creating big negative plays for offenses. He filled the color-commentator vacancy left by all-time NFL great John Madden in 2009. I have never seen a player quite like Rousseau, who is 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds with an 83-inch wingspan. . He will often see pulling guards and beat them to the hole. ", They must have had it like the rest of the league. His running skill was inherited by his daughter Ashley who won the Kentucky High School title in the 100 meters race, and ran for Harvard later where she became a team captain. This draft had become more than a passing fancy with Collinsworth still there at No. Andrew Livingston If they want a good test for WRs, they should run 60 yards and ignore the first 20. His flexibility and ability to contort his body to make plays is just fun to watch; he also has genuine breakaway speed and will be a nightmare as the single receiver in 31 sets. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLKlQ8wMpgg. Nobody hates being predictable more than Jerry Jones, but Surtain is the safe choice for Dallas. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Fletcher Cox is a good comparison. Because they were short. He will be a favorite of the post-game highlight shows. At the same time, the FCS product has so little experience against top competition that this is still a very risky move. Barmore is a can't-miss pick. He and his wife Holly have four children. When the call didn't come at No. Ojularis balance sticks out, too. At one point, there was speculation of NBC letting him go for poor preseason performance which, they said, was a little for a lot of money he earned, "We can replace him with someone cheaper and younger and get just as much production, if not more. The backs that are trying to chip him can't really get a clean hit on him.". He began his career with the Gators as a run-first quarterback but transitioned to wide receiver as a sophomore and was a First-Team All-SEC selection for three consecutive seasons, also earning All-American honors in 1980 as a senior. Cris Collinsworth begged Colts to do one thing during 'Sunday Night Football' Collinsworth served as the analyst for the Week 13 "Sunday Night Football" game between the Colts and Cowboys,. He makes the kind of plays that can break open a football game. I was told that Mac Jones would be a late first-round pick early in the process. Waddle likely would have been a top-10 pick but for his injury. Phillips flew all over the field with a violent approach and never showed any signs that he was dealing with a history of concussions. 2nd) if you are able to run precise routes& can make excellent breaks and cuts out your route, you will always be able to create separation since the DB is by nature of the game reacting to you. Collinsworth and Costas paired again during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. My mock draft features one trade, as I have the New England Patriots moving up for Ohio State's Justin Fields, while thefirst two picks rank first and second on PFF's draft board. The Eagles get lucky here. Cris Collinsworth. He can play any position on the defensive line and create problems. Dan Quinn takes over as the defensive coordinator and needs a Richard Sherman to run this defense. What we do know now on the 40th anniversary of that draft is that just not Tom Brady is a result of fate and fortune. Can't you see this through the haze of the Freezer Bowl at the end of that rookie year? That is my only doubt. "I'm not here to condemn anyone. In 107 regular-season games in the NFL, 90 of them starts, Collinsworth had 417 receptions for 6,698 yards and 36 touchdowns. Cris Collinsworth Bengals timeline April 28, 1981: The Bengals select Collinsworth, a receiver out of Florida, with the 37th overall pick of the 1981 NFL Draft. His wiggly moves will remind you a little of Jason Pierre-Paul in his early years. "You knew right away that you had a special player. Even the scouting combine photo of Cris Collinsworth, which turned 40 this spring, seems to reflect the audacity of that second-round pick in 1981. He spent 8 years in the NFL, all of them with the Cincinnati Bengals. It was reported the day after the draft that he had spent the offseason visiting the top ten receivers on campus and put them through the high jump, broad jump, made them run dashes and patterns and asked them questions. Some NFL scouts thought Collinsworth was too slight at 6-foot-5 and 192 pounds to withstand the rigors of the NFL, which allowed the Cincinnati Bengals to take him in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft with the 37th overall pick. Jerry will be tempted to go for Caleb Farley, the best athlete in this cornerback class, but the injury risk associated with the Virginia Tech corner is just too great. Farley is the higher upside pick, with 4.25-second speed that jumps out on tape. [11][12][13], During his career at Florida, Collinsworth caught 120 passes for 1,937 yards, and rushed for another 210. In 1995, he appeared on HBO broadcasting at Wimbledon with Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, and Barry MacKay. His speed flashes often, and he consistently pulled away from SEC defenders. Then Brown, 72 years young, the man who sketched the beginnings of the modern passing game as the head coach in Cleveland three decades before, bounced out of the room cocking his arm to throw an imaginary football. He began his broadcasting career as a sports radio talk show host for WLW in Cincinnati and later became a reporter for HBOs Inside the NFL in 1989. He can catch the ball in his hands. "He wanted Collinsworth. If there is one big loser here, it is the 49ers, who would have loved the Patriots to have missed out on one of the top quarterbacks to keep a possible trade for Jimmy Garoppolo alive, but those dreams just ended. Still seething, the one time Collinsworth kicked back and relaxed was the ninth pick of the second round when the Bengals went to pick at No. "He reminds me of a shorter but faster Pat McInally," Pete Brown wrote. . Your email address will not be published. He reads plays so quickly that zone-blocking offensive linemen often cant reach him. He may have benefited from a lot of open receivers in college, but his tight-window throws stood out. Accuracy is the key, and Jones is very accurate. He retired from the NFL following the 1988 season. He finally figured out it was a Florida teammate and not the Giants. The way the story goes, which is now locked somewhere between myth and microfilm, Bengals founder Paul Brown watched offensive coordinator Lindy Infante climb off the table after his impassioned plea to take Collinsworth at No. He is a hammer on the edge and can play in a 4-3 or 3-4. 4. Cris Collinsworth preps to announce a Super Bowl with his Bengals. Its time to move on". The next year was big for him as he became a part of NBC's family. Gender: Cris Collinsworth when he was honored as one of the First 50 Bengals. Chase can block and even played some tailback, but there is no arguing with the fact that he caught 24 deep balls against SEC competition at just 19 years of age and almost beat Clemson by himself in the 2019 National Championship Game. Plus, his hustle sticks out, as he often chased down scrambling quarterbacks running downfield. How much he can get away with is always a factor in his success. His daughter received her degree in Psychology from Harvard. Cris won the 100 yard dash in the 70s with his younger brother taking bets from spectators. Collinsworth is currently second on the Bengals' all-time list for receivers with 417 catches for 6,698 yards. "The guy had me on the hook for five minutes," Collinsworth says. Your IP: Collinsworth, who received his bachelors degree in accounting from Florida in 1981, earned his law degree from the University of Cincinnatis College of Law in 1991. After Al Michaels gave a brief introduction for the upcoming game, the camera would pan out slightly and allow Collinsworth to slide himself into the picture via his broadcasting chair, after which he provided insights of his own. "Memories have been made to conform with what you wish you had done or said," Brown says. February 27, 2023 endeavor air pilot contract No Comments . I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Sewell is a potential Hall of Fame talent, and the Bengals know who their best player in franchise history is Anthony Muoz. At 6ft 5in (1.96m) in height, Collinsworth often created mismatches against much smaller cornerbacks. However, he can squat on routes too much and will be challenged deep at the next level. Lawrence hit Kirk perfectly in the hands. Alabama running back Najee Harris could be the choice here if the Steelers opt to go for one of the more powerful offensive linemen in Round 2. Jaylen Hurts gets an intimidator outside. When Collinsworth started to attend the same church (United Trinity Methodist), Chris realized his destiny. Horn allowed a completion rate of only 33% on throws into his coverage in 2020. Ohio State put a tight end outside him and just beat him up. His father, Abe Collinsworth, who played for a national championship basketball team under Adolph Rupp at the University of Kentucky, was his high school principal. In Super Bowl XVI, Collinsworth caught 4 passes for 107 yards, but committed a costly fumble when he was hit by San Francisco defensive back Eric Wright. He scored 14 touchdowns receiving, two rushing, one on a kickoff return, and threw two touchdown passes. He is Brady-like with his in-pocket movements but still has enough speed to be a factor in the running game. He allowed only 12 catches on 34 targets for 93 yards in 2020. Arthur Smith did great things in Tennessee with multiple tight end sets, and despite having a defense that needs help everywhere, the value with Pitts here is just too high to draft defense. "(Infante) was a Florida guy Some people you just connect with. Despite his reputation of having a limited route tree, I think he will prove that it had nothing to do with him. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah could play slot corner or inside linebacker. What he said always seemed to make sense and he had a gift in explaining the game to casual fans. James Lofton, Cris Collinsworth, Nolan Cromwell, Joe Cribbs, Jimmie Giles You can tell he is smart and has a plan on each and every snap. One scouting report from December with an indecipherable signature concluded Verser is "the No. Horn could easily be the best corner in this class when we look back in five years. 1 overall. Toney is the flashiest player in this draft. 9221 SE Event Center Place Again, I would have taken Dyami Brown here, but Brown ran only a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at just 185 pounds, so he will give way to Bateman despite looking much faster on the field. Who could? Ubile wrote. Fields has so much talent as both a passer and a runner that I think he will become a star. He was an All-Pro selection from 1981-1983, and played for the 1982 and 1989 Super Bowl teams. Collinsworth played quarterback in his prep years and was named an All-American as both a junior and senior. A Superstars special that was held during the N.F.L. Anthony Cris Collinsworth [1] (born January 27, 1959) is an American sports broadcaster and former professional American football player. This page was last edited on 23 February 2023, at 07:02. [24], In the NBC broadcasts of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Collinsworth appeared alongside Bob Costas as a commentator on numerous occasions. His children were also successful scholars. "I figured there was no way they were going to take another receiver," Collinsworth says. 407-575-7801 My personal choice would have been North Carolinas Dyami Brown, but Marshall likely gets the nod due to his size. Cris Collinsworth American football player, wide receiver, sports broadcaster. Collinsworth was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons (1981-1988), all with the Cincinnati Bengals. QB | RB | WR | TE | T | iOL | DI | EDGE | LB | CB | S. Billed as one of the best draft prospects in the country since his high school days, Lawrence consistently won big games with great play against top competition. Cris Collinsworth Welcomes The "Their Time," Bengals To The Super Bowl 40 Years Later. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Any time you have a 240-pound edge player, there will be physical concerns. In 1990, he began what has become a successful broadcasting career as a part of the NBC networks NFL broadcasts. Collinsworth earned prep football All-America honors from Parade, Scholastic Coach, Joe Namath Prep and Kickoff magazines. He spent 8 years in the NFL, all of them with the Cincinnati Bengals. He surpassed 1,000 yards receiving four times (in 1981, 1983, 1985, and 1986) and was named to the Pro Bowl 3 times. Cris spent his entire NFL career with the Bengals. Atlanta is in cap hell and would love to trade for additional picks to rebuild this team with lower-priced rookies. [24] He lives in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, with his wife, Holly (Bankemper) Collinsworth, an attorney, and their four children. INDIANAPOLIS _ What we hear about the Bengals as we prowl the halls of the NFL scouting combine this week: INDIANAPOLIS _ Returning Wednesday to the spot where at last year's NFL scouting combine he declared he was on the look out for "Glass-Eaters," Bengals offensive line coach Frank Pollack said Jackson Carman chewed enough chards in his two playoff starts to be in the mix at right tackle if La'el Collins isn't ready Opening Day. Cris Collinsworth: Picture of productivity. Wilson misses throws rolling right more than he should, but his skills are special and he could be great. Infante's report on Collinsworth isn't in the notes, but his visit with Verser is: "Runs deep routes well. Only Mike Brown is alive from that day the Bengals stunned the world and took receivers with the first two picks. During his career at Florida, Cris caught 120 passes for 1,977 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also scoring two rushing touchdowns and one on a kickoff return. So was Collinsworth's future Bengals Super Bowl teammate James Brooks. His mother left the room in tears, still recalling what the agent had said about the Bengals not being a fit. And Lindy was right. Tennessee had some success getting linemen on him and attacking downhill, but generally, he is very difficult to block. ", Infante compared Verser's fluid running style to future Steelers Hall of Famer Lynn Swann: "We were looking for someone who can beat the bump-and-run coverage, a guy who's quick enough and strong enough to outmaneuver individuals in the defensive secondary.". Welcome to PFF draft week! With Justin Jefferson headed to the NFL in 2020, Marshall took over the slot this year in LSU's offense. ProFootballHistory.com. Click to reveal Salary: $12.5 Million Per Year. 2. Collinsworth is also the color commentator on the popular video game, Madden NFL. Collinsworth was moved to wide receiver, where his new position coach was former Gator quarterback Steve Spurrier in his first year as a coach. [24] He also served as color commentator for NFL Network Thursday night games (and one Saturday-night game) alongside play-by-play man Bryant Gumbel and Bob Papa. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. I will always think that Kyle Shanahan traded up to get Mac Jones, but the fan base revolted. Cris Collinsworth led the acquisition of Pro Football Focus (PFF) in 2015. Collinsworth hadn't done the slide earlier in the year, but he. Born in Dayton and the son of a Cincinnati educator before the family moved south, Collinsworth was already popular in town before he became one of the most iconic Bengals. . "It worked out," said the kid who was all arms, legs and brains, "just fine and dandy.". We wouldn't have taken him except my father consented to us taking him in the second round. So, the Cardinals will try to replace Patrick Peterson with a similar presence in their secondary. Cris Collinsworth's 40 time was 4.38 seconds. ", On 22 Jan 81, von Mann said Verser "is my choice of the receivers I've seen Rare and exceptional ability, he should be an outstanding performer in his first year. The Ravens can rush anybody on the field from any position. He's not nearly as physical as Virginia Tech's Christian Darrisaw, but Slater is an incredible pass protector. Both of Cris's parents were educators; Donetta was a teacher, and Abe was a high-school teacher and coach who later became a principal and eventually the superintendent of schools for Brevard County. Not the scouts. Justin Herbert proved his worth last year, so the Chargers respond by investing in his development and protection. Collinsworth played four years of basketball for his dad and also played some baseball for the War Eagles. A very intelligent person. cris collinsworth 14 18 year olds. He was a high school quarterback whose 58 total touchdowns still rank third all-time in North Carolina state history. "It's not like it is today," Collinsworth says. "This man gets open consistently Will catch underneath, runs routes hard every down.". In 2009, he took over as the color commentator on Sunday nights when John Madden left the booth and is still in that role today. [5], His family, including Cris and his younger brother Greg, moved from Ohio to Melbourne, Florida, in 1963, when Cris was four years old. Oweh didn't even play football until his junior year of high school, which may explain his lack of pass-rushing skills. Smith's lack of size will create doubt until you watch him play. [24] His son, Austin Collinsworth, is a former football player and team captain at the University of Notre Dame. INDIANAPOLIS _ Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin says he only compares Joe Burrow, his quarterback, to Joe Burrow, a Pro Bowler and two-time winner of the AFC North. There are still good edge players on the board, but defensive improvement is key this year in Cleveland. "Makes things happen!" I loved watching his creative route running, which features subtle pauses and an ability to bounce off defenders to gain position. Questions and Comments: Home Astronaut Highs Cris Collinsworth; Winner Of Multiple Emmy Awards, NFL Pro Bowler, By SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME // January 16, 2017. "You watch the tape of him and think of a boxer who is great with that movement, he's hard to get a hand on, he's hard to jam. They raved about both. Jaylon Waddle is certainly in play here, but Smith won the Heisman voters and me over with his end-of-season run. SUPER BOWL,. Still, football is rarely played in a phone booth anymore, so his skills should match todays NFL. The Butkus Award winner made some of the flashiest plays in college football last year. Next to strong points von Mann jotted, "Great athletic skill. His confidence continued to grow throughout the 2020 season, and he was simply fantastic in the biggest moments. He remained with the Bengals until the 1988 season, catching three passes for 40 yards in Super Bowl XXIII, the final game of his career. Some 30 years before Rutgers wide receiver Mohamed Sanu got pranked by a caller that said the Bengals were picking him in the first round before they really draftedhim in the third, Collinsworth got a phony call that said the New York media was poised to talk to him. Prep Football All-American [24] Collinsworth was also the host of the television show Guinness World Records Primetime during his stay at Fox. Sunday Night Football announcers Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth are wowed by Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen's legs on his bruising 9-yard rushing touchdown. He had some explosive catch-and-run plays against Vanderbilt, Missouri and South Carolina last season. His hard step up the field outside the guard and then loop inside to smash an unsuspecting center makes for great theatre. "Because I know we took him in the second round and I know my father was in charge. 7. This was a coinflip for me between Farley and the safer pick of Northwesterns Greg Newsome II. 170.39.79.101 Toney's weakness comes in traditional route running. He is fast enough for any stunt or loop and wins quickly in one-on-one situations. Pro Bowl & Super Bowl (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Ickey Woods (Complete Story), What Happened To Ki-Jana Carter? The Lions will take the win. [27], Collinsworth earned a juris doctor degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1991. I guess it just goes to show the draft is potluck to some degree.". Collinsworth was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round (37th pick overall) of the 1981 NFL Draft,[19] and spent his entire eight-year NFL career with the Bengals.
