Cris Collinsworth apologizes for comment about female fans’ NFL knowledge

NBC commentator Cris Collinsworth apologized this week after facing criticism over saying that he was “blown away” by the questions from female fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers.  

During the second quarter of the Wednesday NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Collinsworth said while discussing the Pennsylvania city, “Everybody’s a fan. In particular, the ladies that I met. They have really specific questions about the game, and I’m like, ‘Wow,’ you’re just blown away by how strong the fans are here in this town.”

Also Chris Collinsworth was blown away that the women in Pittsburgh had really specific questions about football pic.twitter.com/eskujaRsKn

— gifdsports (@gifdsports) December 3, 2020

The commentator quickly drew backlash across social media, according to multiple reports. 

Following the Wednesday game, Collinsworth tweeted a statement apologizing for the comment and saying that “I know the way I phrased it insulted many.”

“Today on our broadcast I made reference to a couple of women that I met in Pittsburgh who so impressed me with their football knowledge that I wanted to tell their story on air. I know the way I phrased it insulted many,” the commentator said.

“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,” he continued. 

pic.twitter.com/pT5NqD5oDs

— Cris Collinsworth (@CollinsworthPFF) December 3, 2020

Collinsworth was previously criticized this year for making jokes on air about being required to wear face masks during a game at Levi’s Stadium, where the San Francisco 49ers NFL team plays, during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.