Who Is Holly Bankemper? Meet Cris Collinsworth’s Brilliant Wife and Legal Star

Holly Bankemper might not be on TV like her husband, Cris Collinsworth, but she has a powerful story of her own. While Cris became famous as an NFL player and sports broadcaster, Holly built a successful life as a lawyer, mother, and community leader.

In this article, we’ll take a close look at Holly Bankemper’s life — from her early days in Kentucky to her career as an attorney, her love story with Cris Collinsworth, and how they’ve raised a wonderful family together. Whether you’ve heard her name before or not, you’ll soon see why Holly is a true star in her own right.

Holly Bankemper Quick Bio


Full Name	Holly Ann Bankemper Collinsworth
Birthdate	November 23, 1964
Age (2025)	61 years old
Birthplace	Fort Thomas, Kentucky, USA
Height	5 ft 8 in (170 cm)
Profession	Attorney (General Practice)
Education	Univ. of Kentucky, UC College of Law
Husband	Cris Collinsworth
Married Since	June 3, 1989
Children	4 (Katie, Austin, Ashley, Jac)
Net Worth (2025)	Around $3 million
Residence	Fort Thomas, Kentucky
Known For	Lawyer, wife of Cris Collinsworth
Fun Fact	Was a college cheerleader

Early Life of Holly Bankemper

Holly Bankemper was born on November 23, 1964, in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. She grew up in a close-knit town where everyone knew each other. Her hometown sits just across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio.

Holly went to Highlands High School, a school that would later become very important in her family’s life. She was active in school and community life, and she had a strong connection to her town. Years later, she would be honored as Alumnus of the Year at that same high school, showing how much she gave back to the place where she was raised.

Holly Bankemper’s College and Cheerleading Days

After high school, Holly went on to the University of Kentucky, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. During her time there, she wasn’t just focused on books — she also became a cheerleader for the Kentucky Wildcats.

Being a cheerleader gave her confidence, energy, and team spirit — traits that would help her later as a lawyer and mother. It also showed that she was comfortable being active, involved, and passionate about what she believed in. Her college years helped shape the strong and focused woman she would become.

How Holly Bankemper Became a Lawyer

Holly didn’t stop after her first degree. She had bigger plans. She was accepted into the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where she began her journey toward becoming an attorney. She worked hard and graduated with her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in 1988.

Soon after graduating, Holly became a licensed lawyer. She started practicing law in Kentucky and has now been in the legal field for over 30 years. She is also a proud member of the Cincinnati Bar Association, showing how serious she is about her profession. Holly Bankemper’s legal career is a big part of who she is.

Meeting Cris Collinsworth

Holly met Cris Collinsworth in the 1980s — a time when Cris was still playing for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL, and she was getting ready to begin law school. Their story began in Cincinnati, not far from where they both lived and studied.

One night, Holly went out for dinner with friends at a restaurant called The Precinct, which Cris co-owned. It was there that mutual friends introduced them. Even though Cris was a famous football player, Holly wasn’t impressed by flash — and maybe that’s what made her stand out. Their first date happened the very next day, and something just clicked.

Holly Bankemper and Cris Collinsworth’s Wedding

Cris and Holly quickly grew close. In July 1988, Cris wanted to propose in a big, fun way — he even asked his friend Al Michaels if he could do it live during the MLB All-Star Game in Cincinnati! But the moment didn’t work out on TV.

So instead, Cris chose a more personal approach. He proposed to Holly on a bridge over the Ohio River, a place that meant something special to them. It was sweet and simple. The couple got married the following year, on June 3, 1989. That day was the start of a long and happy marriage that still lasts today.

Life as Cris Collinsworth’s Wife

Being married to a famous football player turned broadcaster isn’t always easy. Cris travels often for work, especially during football season. But Holly has always been the steady hand at home, managing family life with grace and strength.

Cris has praised her many times in interviews. He once said, “I have a really strong wife… It’s amazing all that she can handle, particularly with as much as I’m away from home.” This shows just how much he depends on her — not just for love, but for keeping their family strong.

Holly Bankemper’s Legal Career

Holly Bankemper is a well-respected attorney with many years of experience. She’s been working in general practice law for over three decades. That means she helps people with all kinds of legal matters — not just one area.

She is a member of the Cincinnati Bar Association, which shows she is serious about her profession. Holly has worked in both Fort Thomas, Kentucky and Longboat Key, Florida, but she stays close to home most of the time. Even though she doesn’t like the spotlight, she has built a strong name in her field.

Holly Bankemper is proof that you can have a successful career and still stay grounded and family-focused.

Holly Bankemper’s Four Children with Cris Collinsworth

Holly and Cris Collinsworth have raised four amazing children together. Their names are Katie, Austin, Ashley, and Jac. Each child has done something unique and special.

Katie, their oldest daughter, was born in 1990. She studied Public Relations at the University of Florida and works in sports media. She’s also a proud mom of four kids.
Austin, born in 1991, played football at Notre Dame and was even the team captain. He now works as the COO at Pro Football Focus, a company his dad owns.
Ashley, born in 1993, went to Harvard and ran track there. She studied Psychology and is now a content director. She recently had a baby daughter named Collins.
Jac, born in 1995, followed his dad into broadcasting. He works as a sports commentator for NBC.

Holly has always been there for her kids — cheering them on, guiding them, and helping them become the best version of themselves.

Holly Bankemper’s Community Work

Holly Bankemper is not just a lawyer and mom. She also works hard to help her community. In 2002, she and Cris started a nonprofit called the Cris Collinsworth ProScan Fund.

This charity helps with breast cancer awareness and also supports kids’ education through chess programs. Holly is on the board of directors and plays an active role in the group’s work.

She also helped lead efforts to rebuild schools in her hometown, including Highlands Middle School and Highlands High School. Her son once said, “She dedicates her life to selfless service.” That says a lot about her heart.

Where Holly Bankemper Lives Today

Holly and Cris live in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, in a lovely colonial-style home with a view of the Ohio River. They built the home in the early 2000s and still enjoy the peace and charm of small-town life.

Even though Cris works on national TV, they chose to raise their family in a quiet place, close to where Holly grew up. It helped their kids stay grounded and close to family and friends.

Holly Bankemper has always loved the balance between career and calm home life — and Fort Thomas has given her just that.

Holly Bankemper’s Private and Strong Personality

One thing that makes Holly special is how private she is. You won’t see her on social media or giving interviews. She prefers to stay behind the scenes, focusing on what really matters: her family, her clients, and her community.

But even though she stays out of the spotlight, people who know her admire her strength, kindness, and calm energy. Her husband, children, and friends all speak highly of her, not just because she’s smart — but because she truly cares.

In a world full of noise, Holly Bankemper stands out for her quiet power.

Why Holly Bankemper Inspires So Many

Holly Bankemper is an inspiration to anyone who wants to do it all — and do it with grace. She has shown that you can be a loving wife, a present mother, a top lawyer, and a community leader without needing fame or attention.

She has supported Cris Collinsworth’s career for more than 35 years, raised four wonderful children, and helped improve lives through her legal work and charity efforts.

Holly’s story reminds us that success doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes, it’s about showing up every day, doing your best, and giving back to others. And that’s exactly what makes her a brilliant wife, a strong woman, and a true legal star.

So now you know the answer to the question, “Who is Holly Bankemper?” She is Cris Collinsworth’s wife, yes — but also so much more. She is a hardworking attorney, a devoted mom, a quiet leader, and a kind-hearted woman who inspires everyone around her.