Jac Collinsworth’s father is David Collinsworth, a former professional football safety who played in the National Football League for the Cincinnati Bengals and the New York Giants. David Collinsworth graduated from Princeton University and was drafted in the 1981 NFL Draft, later working as a broadcaster and executive. Jac has spoken in interviews about growing up in a football-oriented household and credits his father with influencing his career path in media and sports. This relationship has shaped Jac’s public narrative, connecting his professional trajectory to a legacy in both playing and broadcasting careers.
Who is Jac Collinsworth’s father?
Jac Collinsworth’s father is David Michael Collinsworth. David played college football at Princeton and entered the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals in 1981. He later joined the New York Giants and transitioned to broadcasting after his playing career. He has held roles including broadcaster and executive, contributing to sports media over decades. Jac has referenced his father’s career as foundational to his own understanding of sports and media.
David Collinsworth: background and career
Playing career and education
David Collinsworth was a safety in the NFL, known for his time with the Bengals and Giants. He was a first-team All-Ivy League selection at Princeton and was drafted in the eighth round of the 1981 NFL Draft. His professional career lasted several years in the 1980s, after which he moved into media and front-office roles within NFL organizations.
Broadcasting and executive work
After retiring from playing, David Collinsworth worked as a television broadcaster, including stints covering NFL games. He also held executive positions within football operations, contributing to player development and organizational strategy. His decades-long presence in both media and football operations provide Jac with a unique familial perspective on the industry.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | David Michael Collinsworth | Public records, biographical sources |
| Position played | Safety | Official league and team records |
| College | Princeton University | School athletics archives |
| NFL Draft year | 1981 | Draft records |
| Teams played for | Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants | Team rosters |
| Post-career roles | Broadcaster, NFL executive | Team and network biographies |
Jac Collinsworth’s relationship with his father
Jac has described a close relationship with his father, shaped by shared involvement in sports. In interviews and on-air moments, he has discussed learning media skills early and valuing his father’s guidance. David’s experience in both playing and broadcasting has influenced Jac’s approach to storytelling and analysis, creating a professional overlap that Jac has acknowledged publicly.
Public mentions of family influence
Across podcasts and television appearances, Jac has credited his family with his interest in sports media. These mentions provide insight into how his upbringing informed his career choices. The visibility of David’s career creates a clear lineage in sports media that connects Jac’s current role to a multi-generational presence in the field.
Comparisons within the Collinsworth family
The Collinsworth name carries weight in sports media, with David’s career setting a precedent that Jac has built upon. Below is a brief comparison of key professional points within their careers.
- David Collinsworth: NFL safety (1980s), broadcaster, executive; foundational presence in sports media.
- Jac Collinsworth: Sports media personality, NFL Network personality; carries forward family legacy through on-air roles and digital content.
Frequently asked questions
Below are common questions about Jac Collinsworth’s father, answered with available information.
- What is David Collinsworth’s profession? He is a former NFL safety turned broadcaster and executive.
- Did Jac grow up around football? Yes, he was raised in a football-centric household due to his father’s career.
- Are Jac and David close? Public statements from Jac indicate a close, supportive relationship.
- Does Jac credit his father for his career path? Yes, Jac has cited his father’s influence in multiple interviews.
- Is David Collinsworth still involved in sports media? He remains connected to sports media through various roles and appearances.