Melanie Collins, a charming and talented sports Journalist, and reporter, host of popular shows “Big Break” and “Driver vs. Driver” on the golf channel, is a natural beauty with brains who has demonstrated her sheer determination and hard work.
Former AccuWeather reporter became famous after joining NBA-TV Atlanta, covering many events such as NBBA Playoffs and even the FIFA World Cup!
She has come a long way, starting with an internship during her college years.
At present, Collins is one of the most prominent sideline reporters on the sporting field.
So, what got Melanie into journalism? Did she plan on working as a reporter her entire life?
Despite gaining limelight from Melanie’s career, Collins surfaced over the internet again when media linked her to Former baseball star Alex Rodriguez.
However, reports suggested that they were “just friends.” Earlier, the reporter dated ice hockey players Scottie Upshall and James Neal.
This article comprises her early life, career, boyfriend, and net worth. Please stick with us till the end of an exciting piece on the Pennsylvanian sportscaster.
Well, fellas, let’s first go through some quick facts!
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Melanie Collins |
| Birth Date | February 6, 1986 |
| Birth Place | Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Nick Name | Melanie |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White Caucasian |
| Education | Penn State University
New York Institute of Art and Design |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Father’s Name | Doug Collins |
| Mother’s Name | Nancy Collins |
| Siblings | Yes (Christian and Kurtis) |
| Age | 38 years old |
| Height | 5’6″ (1.67 m) |
| Weight | 55 kg (121 lbs) |
| Shoe Size | Updating soon |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Icy Blue |
| Body Measurement | 34-25-35 inches |
| Figure | Ectomorphic |
| Married | No |
| Boyfriend | Alex Rodriguez (2021),
James Neal (2014), Scottie Upshall (2009 – 2013) |
| Children | No |
| Siblings | Kurtis Collins and Christian Collins |
| Profession | News Reporter, Sports Caster, Host |
| Net Worth | $1-5 million |
| Affiliations | Big Ten Network, NBA-TV, NBC Sports, CBS, ESPN |
| Active Since | 2012 |
| Internship | AccuWeather, WPSU-TV, BTN |
| Favorite Must-Have Items | Nutella, Cheese, & Cinnamon Toast |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter |
| Last Update | April 2024 |
Melanie Collins Wiki | Early Life, Education, & Parents
Melanie Collins celebrates her birthday on February 6. She was born in 1986 in State College, Pennsylvania, to joyous parents Nancy and Doug Collins.
Additionally, Collins is a younger sister to brother Christian and an older sister to brother Kurtis.
Moreover, hailing from Pennsylvania, she is Caucasian by ethnicity.
According to horoscopic charts, the blonde sportscaster is Aquarius, being free-spirited, confident, and one of the kindest hosts in the business.
Regarding her education, Melanie graduated from a local high school.
After that, the Pennsylvanian attended Penn State University and acquired a degree in Broadcast and Journalism.
Furthermore, Collins is an eager learner, having an interest in a variety of fields.
As a result, the stunning reporter is currently studying to obtain another Interior Design certificate from the New York Institute of Art and Design.
Besides, Melanie got a headstart on her journalism career when she was still a sophomore in college.
While she was a bartender, an opportunity knocked on her door, and it was an offer to work at AccuWeather.
Due to her hard work and presenting skills, Collins landed an internship with WPSU-TV, which has affiliations with PBS.
Ultimately, the gig would follow into a permanent role; the rest we know is history.
Melanie Collins | Age, Height, & Body Measurements
Born in 1986, the blonde sportscaster is 38 years old.
Working as a Journalist for almost a decade, Collins doesn’t show any slackness or error, which is attributable to her innovative tendencies.
In truth, the job of a host/anchor or a reporter is not an easy task. One must remain on the sidelines, always prepared to get insights from players, coaches, or staff members.
It is a hectic process where a reporter should always be ready to get turned away or face disappointed athletes’ wrath.
However, Melanie exudes confidence and patience, noticeable from all the relevant questions she asks.
As demanded by her profession, the reporter has an effective communication ability and is an even more refined analyst.
On the other hand, the sportscaster stands at the height of 5’6” (1.67 m) with an alluring personality.
In like manner, as a TV presenter, Collins has to be aware of keeping fit and looking presentable. So, her impressive physique comes as no surprise.
Melanie’s distinguishing factor is her icy blue eyes, pink, plump lips, and triangular jawline.
Melanie Collins | Career: Sportscaster
To begin with, the reporter served on a plate for the Pennsylvanian while still a sophomore at Penn State University.
A PBS-affiliated network, WPSU-TV, hired her to record stats for football and baseball games.
Although it was not what Melanie planned to do initially, her first job assignment was a stepping stone.
Ultimately, it paved the way for her to work alongside Steve Jones and discuss college football in a weekly segment called Let’s Talk Sports Nittany Lion Fans.
After that, Collins received an offer to host for AccuWeather. At AccuWeather, the blonde honed her skills to cover the weather and become comfortable facing the camera.
At the same time, Big Ten Network approved the Pennsylvanians’ request for an internship. Melanie was already operating as a sideline reporter by the time she was a senior.
This experience became an on-the-job training. Finally, in 2008, Collins graduated from Penn State and immediately commenced her career in journalism.
Firstly, she started by covering Penn State football games for BTN.
Likewise, her NBA journey started with a job at Turner Broadcasting in Atalanta, reporting for NBA TV and NBA.com.
In like manner, Collins’ career took her to several around the USA, and Atlanta was one of them.
Further, with one year’s spell at Turner Broadcasting, Melanie returned to BTN, where she founded Total College Sports, now known as Stadium Network.
The network’s main task was covering collegiate sports based in Chicago.
More notably, Collins upgraded her profession by signing for Yahoo! Sports, based in San Jose. Similarly, the Pennsylvanians covered the 2014 Winter Olympics, the FIFA World Cup, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Furthermore, the sportscaster was fortunate to serve as a sideline reporter for CBS Sports dealing with college football.
Besides that, Collins got an opportunity to report on golf championships like PGA, LPGA, etc.
Subsequently, the network promoted her to cover the NFL, which she considers a “dream come true” moment.
Melanie Collins Net Worth | Salary & Income
In particular, reliable sources confirmed that Melanie accumulated around $1-5 million in net worth from her decade-long career.
In the same way, the Pennsylvanian works as an anchor, sideline reporter, and entertainment host.
Suffice it to say, Collins pockets an impressive salary, although the details of which are still under review.
Additionally, a sideline reporter earns an average $42k salary, with a maximum of $107k annually.
In contrast, Melanie’s boyfriend, James Neal, has a net worth of $20 million.
In a 5-year contract deal with the Calgary Flames, the ice hockey star pocketed a whopping $28.7 million and, recently, earned around $5.7 million as a base salary.
Further, we have to admit that Collins is dating a gold mine. Jokes aside, life seems promising and fulfilling for Melanie as she is in a relationship with such an accomplished sportsman.
Even so, the Pennsylvanian herself has a successful career.
Melanie Collins Relationship Status | Boyfriend: Alex Rodriguez, James Neal, Scottie Upshall
People assumed Collins was dating Alex Rodriguez, a famous baseballer who was a mutual friend of her friends: Jessie James Decker and Eric Decker.
However, some reports suggested they were just friends, and the group was on vacation to celebrate Alex’s 46th birthday on the French Riviera.
As mentioned above, the sportscaster is healthy with the Calgary Flames winger, James Neal.
It was sometime in 2014 when the pair first crossed paths, and ever since that day, both can be spotted on romantic outings.
Likewise, her Instagram posts show definite signs of a budding relationship, and as evidence even shared some photos that indicate quality time with her beau.
Nonetheless, even after six years of living together, the couple has no plans to tie the knot.
On the contrary, apart from James, Melanie was dating another Ice hockey player, Scottie Upshall.
Collins first met Upshall during one of her duties as a sideline reporter. It took courage for them both to start dating and eventually, they got engaged in 2009.
Nevertheless, the couple’s relationship was not meant to last long, and they called off their engagement, parting ways as friends in 2013.
Even though Upshall significantly influenced her life, Melanie managed to move on with James Neal.
Social Media Presence
Melanie can be followed on Instagram and Twitter and has different fanbases.
Instagram: 118k+followers
Twitter: 73.4k+ followers
View this post on Instagram
Melanie Collins | Popularity
Melanie Collins is a searched-after name on the internet, as shown by the below curve.
Some FAQs
Who is Melanie Collins married to?
Melanie Collins is not married and is assumed to be single. However, she was in a love relationship with her boyfriend, James Neal.
What are the T.V. shows of Melanie?
The TV shows hosted by Melanie are Driver vs. Driver, The Big Break, Big Break Palm Beaches, etc.
Who is Melanie Collins’s Father?
Melanie Collins’s father is Doug Collins, with whom Melanie shares a good bond.
What is Melanie doing as of now?
Melanie is now working as an NFL sideline reporter and host of “Big Break” and “Driver vs. Driver” on the Golf Channel for CBS Sports.
Is Melanie Collins still married?
No, Melanie Collins is not married yet. Nevertheless, she has been in many relationships with famous players and has no children yet.
She’s a nobody. Arod wants somebody with fane and money. She is not rich.