NBC’s Cris Collinsworth Apologizes for Remark About Female NFL Fans

Collinsworth indicated he was "blown away" by how much female fans know about football

NBC's Cris Collinsworth Apologizes for Remark About Female NFL Fans
NBC announcer Chris Collinsworth during an NFL game.
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

After catching plenty of well-deserved flak for a comment he made about female NFL fans during Wednesday afternoon’s game between the Ravens and Steelers, NBC announcer Cris Collinsworth has issued an apology.

During the NBC telecast, Collinsworth and broadcast partner Mike Tirico were discussing meeting with Steelers fans in Pittsburgh before the game.

“Everybody’s a fan. In particular, the ladies that I met. They have really specific questions about the game, and I’m like, ‘Wow,’” he said. “You’re just blown away by how strong the fans are here in this town.” 

Understandably, people took offense to the notion Collinsworth would be “blown away” by female fans having “specific questions” about football.

Following the game when he had obviously seen the criticism, the 61-year-old issued an apology via his Twitter account.

“Today on our broadcast I made reference to a couple of women I met in Pittsburgh who so impressed me with their football knowledge that I wanted to tell their story on the air,” Collinsworth wrote. “I know the way I phrased it insulted many. I’m so sorry. What I intended as a compliment to the fans of Pittsburgh, became an insult. I’m sick about insulting any fan, but especially female fans and journalists. I know first hand how much harder they have to work than any of us in this industry. I was wrong and deeply apologize.” 

NBC has not indicated that Collinsworth will face any discipline for his remark.

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