Jac Collinsworth: Rising Star in NBC Sports NFL Coverage

In the high-stakes world of sports broadcasting, where every play and interview can make or break a career, Jac Collinsworth is emerging as a force to be reckoned with. As a key member of NBC Sports' NFL team, the 29-year-old reporter and play-by-play announcer is set to play a pivotal role in the network's extensive Super Bowl LX coverage this February. With the big game heading to Levi's Stadium in the Bay Area, Collinsworth's blend of sharp analysis, on-the-ground energy, and undeniable charisma is positioning him as one of the most promising talents in modern sports media.

Early Life and Family Legacy

Born on August 15, 1995, in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, Jac Collinsworth grew up in a household steeped in football lore. As the son of Hall of Fame broadcaster Cris Collinsworth – a former NFL wide receiver turned iconic analyst – and Cheryl Collinsworth, a former Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader, it's no surprise that sports were a constant in his life. Cris's long tenure with NBC Sports, including his role on Sunday Night Football, provided Jac with unparalleled access to the inner workings of professional broadcasting from a young age.

Jac attended St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, where he excelled in football and track. His athletic prowess earned him a spot on the University of Notre Dame's football team as a preferred walk-on in 2013. Though injuries cut his playing career short, Collinsworth pivoted seamlessly to journalism, majoring in American Studies at Notre Dame. There, he honed his skills as a student reporter, covering Fighting Irish games for the school's media outlets and even interning with NBC Sports during his college years.

Transition from Athlete to Anchor

The shift from gridiron participant to sideline observer wasn't easy, but it was inevitable. "I always loved the storytelling aspect of sports more than just playing," Collinsworth once shared in an interview with Sports Illustrated. By 2017, fresh out of college, he landed his first full-time gig as a production assistant at ESPN, working on college football telecasts. This entry-level role was a crash course in the fast-paced demands of live TV, from scripting segments to coordinating with producers under tight deadlines.

Rise Through the Ranks at NBC Sports

Collinsworth's big break came in 2019 when he joined NBC Sports as a freelance reporter, quickly proving his mettle on college football sidelines. His energetic style and ability to capture the pulse of the game caught the eye of network executives. By 2021, he was elevated to a full-time role, contributing to NBC's coverage of the NFL, Notre Dame football, and even the Olympics.

One of his standout moments came during the 2022 NFL season, when he stepped in as the play-by-play voice for NBC's Notre Dame broadcasts. Filling big shoes left by legends like Mike Tirico, Collinsworth delivered polished calls that blended statistical depth with narrative flair. Fans praised his poise during high-pressure games, such as the Fighting Irish's thriller against Clemson, where his real-time breakdowns added layers to the broadcast.

Super Bowl LX Spotlight

This year's Super Bowl LX pregame show, airing for a marathon five hours starting at 1 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, will see Collinsworth in his element. The coverage spans Levi's Stadium, team hotels, Alcatraz Island, and even a boat in McCovey Cove, offering immersive storytelling opportunities. As a sideline reporter for Sunday Night Football, Collinsworth has already built a reputation for exclusive player interviews and behind-the-scenes insights. Expect him to grill stars on everything from game prep to the unique Bay Area vibe, all while navigating the chaos of Super Bowl week.

NBC's strategy for the event underscores Collinsworth's growing importance. With veteran analysts like Cris Collinsworth providing color commentary, the father-son duo represents a seamless generational handoff in sports media. Yet, Jac is carving his own path, often focusing on the human elements – like how players cope with pressure or the cultural impact of the NFL in diverse regions.

Beyond the NFL: A Versatile Broadcaster

Collinsworth's portfolio extends far beyond football. He's contributed to NBC's Premier League coverage, analyzing matches like Manchester City's visits to Liverpool, and even dipped into Olympic reporting during the 2024 Paris Games. His work on Peacock's streaming platform has introduced him to a younger, digital-savvy audience, where short-form clips of his interviews go viral on social media.

In a 2023 profile by The Athletic, colleagues described him as "the total package" – knowledgeable, approachable, and tech-forward. He's adept at using data visualizations and AR graphics to enhance viewer engagement, a nod to the evolving demands of sports TV in the streaming era.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Like any rising star, Collinsworth faces hurdles. The nepotism whispers are inevitable, given his lineage, but he's silenced critics with consistent performance. Balancing family dynamics in the same industry adds another layer; working alongside his father requires navigating shared spotlights without overshadowing one another.

Looking ahead, insiders predict Collinsworth could take over play-by-play duties for prime-time NFL games by 2026. With NBCUniversal's dominance in sports rights – from the NFL to the Olympics – his trajectory points toward a marquee role. As Super Bowl LX approaches, all eyes will be on how this young phenom elevates the broadcast, blending legacy with innovation.

Personal Life and Off-Field Impact

Outside the booth, Collinsworth is married to alumna Kennedy Smith, whom he met at Notre Dame. The couple resides in Connecticut, close to NBC's Stamford headquarters, and they share a passion for philanthropy. Jac has been involved in Cris Collinsworth's foundation, which supports youth sports programs in underserved communities.

His social media presence, with over 50,000 followers on Instagram and X, showcases a relatable side: from workout routines to fan Q&As. This authenticity resonates in an era where fans crave connection beyond the game.

In summary, Jac Collinsworth isn't just riding his family's coattails; he's sprinting ahead, redefining what it means to be a sports broadcaster in the 21st century. As Super Bowl LX unfolds, tune in to see why he's the name to watch in NFL media. With his blend of grit, insight, and star power, the future looks bright for this Kentucky kid turned national sensation.