Christopher Beatty was born in 1973 in Topeka, Kansas, but grew up in Centreville, Virginia. Beatty attended Chantilly High School in Chantilly, Virginia, where he graduated in 1991. Upon his graduation, Beatty attended East Tennessee State. From 1991 to 1994, he was a starter at wide receiver where he earned All-conference honors his senior season. He ended his career as the school's all-time leader in receiving yards.