Jac Collinsworth is one of the most talked about young voices in American sports media. At a time when broadcasting careers often take years to build from the ground up, Jac has made significant strides in less than a decade. He has become a familiar presence on major sports broadcasts and studio shows, earning attention not just for his work but for the legacy behind his name. In this article, we take a thorough look at his life, his career, and what makes him one of the rising broadcasters in sports today.
Early Life
Jac was born on February 13, 1995, in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, into a family deeply rooted in football and broadcasting. His father, Cris Collinsworth, is a former NFL wide receiver and one of the most recognized sports broadcasters in the United States. Growing up around the game and the broadcast world gave Jac a unique viewpoint on both the athletic and media sides of sports from an early age.
While he was naturally drawn to football as a young athlete, Jac’s path took a turn. He attended Highlands High School, where he played football and basketball. Unfortunately, a back injury in high school prevented him from playing football at the collegiate level. That challenge, while disappointing for his dreams on the field, helped pivot his focus to something he had already shown interest in: telling stories and breaking down sports for others.
Education
After high school, Jac went on to study at the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 2017 with a degree in Film, Television, and Theatre. While at Notre Dame, he did much more than earn a degree. He created and hosted a digital series called ND Live, covering Notre Dame football with player features and insights that demonstrated maturity beyond his years. That work gave him valuable experience in production, storytelling, and on camera work before he even entered professional broadcasting.
His time at Notre Dame also included real broadcast experience. He covered Notre Dame’s Pro Day for the NFL Network in both 2016 and 2017, connecting him with professional football circles before he entered the major networks.
Early Career Beginnings
Jac’s professional journey began surprisingly early. While still a student at Notre Dame, he worked for NBC from 2013 to 2017 as part of the sideline production team for Notre Dame football broadcasts. This work wasn’t glamorous, but it gave him experience behind the scenes, learning how broadcasts come together and what it takes to produce quality sports coverage. In 2016 and 2017, he even served as a sideline reporter for NBC’s coverage of the Notre Dame Blue Gold spring game.
In the summer of 2016, Jac broadened his portfolio by serving as NBC Olympics’ first ever social media correspondent at the Rio Games. This assignment was a unique opportunity for a young broadcaster, exposing him to global sports coverage and the intense environment of the Olympic Games.
Rise at ESPN
After graduating college, Jac made the jump to ESPN in 2017. At ESPN, he took on roles that were growth opportunities rather than star making gigs right away. He began as a features reporter for Sunday NFL Countdown and later became a host on NFL Live during the NFL offseason. He also hosted The Huddle on the ACC Network, a premier football show focused on one of college football’s most competitive conferences.
This period was important in two ways. First, it showed that he could handle big name shows on one of the biggest sports networks in the country. Second, it gave him experience interviewing star athletes and coaches, refining his on camera presence and understanding of elite sports personalities.
Return to NBC and Expansion
In March 2020, Jac returned to NBC Sports Group in a more prominent role than his earlier work. Here, he was given a broader range of assignments. He serves as a co host of Football Night in America, one of the most watched NFL studio shows in the country. He also takes part in NBC’s Olympic coverage, college football broadcasts, and play by play announcing for men’s basketball.
Beyond football and basketball, Jac has hosted coverage of iconic sporting events like the Indianapolis 500 and the Kentucky Derby, showing versatility across different sports and event formats. He even worked the Super Bowl LVI Pregame Show as co host, a milestone that many broadcasters hope to reach at some point in their careers.
As of early 2026, he has completed five seasons as co host of Football Night in America and the companion show Peacock Sunday Night Football Final, contributing to some of the highest viewership numbers the shows have seen.
Broadcasting Style and Reputation
What sets Jac apart isn’t just his resume. His broadcasting style leans on clarity, preparedness, and a genuine passion for the game. He brings energy to studio shows and play by play commentary alike, while also showing respect for the athletes and coaches he covers.
Some critics have been vocal about the speed of his rise, noting that Jac’s path was smoother because of his family name. While debates about influence and opportunity are real in any industry, those who know Jac point to his work ethic and willingness to learn as reasons he continues to be trusted with bigger broadcast responsibilities. His early success didn’t come from simply having a recognizable last name, but from leveraging early, hands on experience and embracing every role he’s been given.
Personal Life and Interests
Off the air, Jac keeps a relatively private personal life. What is clear from public profiles is that he values family and teamwork, traits likely instilled in him from growing up around a household where sports and storytelling were regular topics. His father, Cris Collinsworth, remains a mentor and influence in his life, offering advice from decades in both professional football and broadcasting.
His mother, Holly Bankemper Collinsworth, is an attorney, and his siblings have pursued their own careers in sports, operations, and media, creating a close knit family environment built on professional achievement and mutual support.
Net Worth and Career Outlook
While exact figures can vary depending on source, Jac Collinsworth’s net worth is estimated in the lower millions, reflecting both his growing value in sports media and his relatively young age in the profession. Unlike long time broadcast veterans, his earning potential is still ascending as he takes on more prominent roles and expands into new areas of sports coverage.
Looking ahead, the trajectory seems promising. His roles with NBC include covering major annual events, the Olympics, the Super Bowl, and regular NFL broadcasts, which positions him as a strong voice in American sports for years to come. If he continues honing his craft and building trust with audiences, he could become one of the most familiar voices in sports broadcasting.
Final Thoughts
Jac Collinsworth has taken a path that blends legacy, talent, and hard work into a growing career. From his early days at Notre Dame to his current roles on national broadcasts, he has shown the ability to adapt, learn, and make sports coverage engaging. His story shows that even in an environment full of competition, passion and preparation can create opportunities that resonate with viewers.
What Jac does next will be watched closely by fans, critics, and aspiring broadcasters alike. His journey today feels like just the beginning of a long and influential career in sports media.
FAQs
1. Who is Jac Collinsworth?
Jac Collinsworth is a rising American sports broadcaster known for his work with NBC Sports. He covers NFL games, college football, and major events like the Olympics and Super Bowl.
2. What is Jac Collinsworth’s background?
He was born in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, in 1995. Jac is the son of former NFL star and broadcaster Cris Collinsworth. He grew up immersed in football and media.
3. Where did Jac Collinsworth study?
Jac attended the University of Notre Dame, where he graduated with a degree in Film, Television, and Theatre. He also gained early broadcasting experience while still a student.
4. What are Jac Collinsworth’s career highlights?
He has worked at ESPN and NBC, hosted Football Night in America, covered the Olympics, and reported from major NFL events. He is recognized for his clear, engaging broadcasting style.
5. What is Jac Collinsworth’s net worth?
While exact figures vary, his net worth is estimated in the lower millions, reflecting his growing career in sports media and prominent roles on national broadcasts.
