What is Cris Collinsworth's Annual Salary?

By Jason Bolton July 10, 2024 09:31

Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images

Cris Collinsworth, a renowned former NFL player and current sports commentator, separated himself from other color analysts by consistently providing insightful analysis with engaging commentary. Collinsworth is a big shot in sports broadcasting, so his yearly pay has become somewhat controversial. This in-depth article explores myriad facets of Collinsworth's annual earnings, including contextual information on how much Collinsworth has been paid throughout his career as a sports analyst and podcaster for the NFL network, his other employer's role for which he earns money, and much more.

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What Chris Collinsworth is Doing Now & Where He Works

Cris Collinsworth is an accomplished sportscaster, businessman, and ex-football player known for his work as a color analyst on NBC, most notably in the network's Sunday Night Football (SNF) coverage. Ever since 2009, he has been an integral part of the NBC broadcast team, where football fans have come to know him. Between his keen analysis and colorful commentating, Collinsworth has become so valuable to NBC that he is helping the network win football viewers.

Background and Evolution of Salaries

Collinsworth came a long way before becoming one of history's highest-paid sports commentators. He inked a big deal with NBC for the latter months of 2021 and was said to rake in $12.5 million per year, which dwarfs his last contract at roughly $4m/year. Before becoming a recognized sports commentator, Collinsworth was once an NFL wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1980s. Although his exact NFL contract has not been disclosed, it is estimated that he made around $2.5-$3 million in total as a player.

Collinsworth Annual Compensation

Most of Collinsworth's estimated $12.5 million salary package includes his commentator/analyst work for NBC Sunday Night Football, now in its 14th season together. This is a significant number, which reflects the worth of his talents and what he brings to the network sports-wise.

Salaries Compared to Other Major Sports Commentators

The compensation of well-known figures such as Collinsworth in sports broadcasting also tends to come under the spotlight for its similarity with other recognizable sports commentators, analysts, and broadcasters on air. Outside of specific numbers for each job, it reportedly pays Collinsworth $12.5 million annually. It ranks him among the most expensive talents in his field, a clear sign from NBC that they value what he brings to the table or screen.

His annual compensation represents the culmination of a storied career as an NFL player turned broadcaster. His impact in the sports industry has continued to be as influential and thus well-compensated on this side of the microphone than it was during a Hall of Fame-caliber career. As the world of sports broadcasting continues to change, Collinsworth's ongoing career path and possible future pay adjustments will likely be monitored within the industry.