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Chris Spielman
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Charles Christopher Spielman (born October 11, 1965) is an American former professional football player who is a special assistant to the owner and CEO for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played linebacker for the Ohio State Buckeyes, twice earning All-American honors. He played professional football for the Detroit Lions in the NFL, where he was a three-time All-Pro. He also played for the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns, and coached for the Arena Football League (AFL)'s Columbus Destroyers. He was a broadcaster for Fox Sports and ESPN from 1999 to 2020.
Key Information
Football career
[edit]In 1984, Spielman graduated from Washington High School in Massillon, Ohio, where he was awarded the Dial Award for the national high-school scholar-athlete of the year in 1983. He was the first high school athlete to have his picture on a box of Wheaties. For college, Spielman initially wanted to attend the University of Michigan, but his father, a lifelong fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes (Michigan's arch-rival), strongly opposed the idea. Spielman recounted the story in the HBO Documentary "Michigan vs. Ohio State: The Rivalry":
My dad said, "Okay, where are you going to go?" I said, "Dad, I want to go to Michigan." And he said, "You traitor. I'll tell you where you're going. You're going right down 71 South and you're going to play for the Ohio State Buckeyes... Better not go there [Michigan]. Don't ever come home if you do."[1]
Spielman was a three-time All-American at Ohio State,[2] intercepted 11 passes, and won the Lombardi Award as the best college football lineman or linebacker. He was the Ohio State football team MVP his senior year and won the Touchdown Club of Columbus's Chic Harley Award. He graduated from Ohio State with a degree in recreation education.
| Height | Weight | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
234 lb (106 kg) |
9+1⁄4 in (0.23 m) |
4.90 s | 1.71 s | 2.87 s | 4.13 s | 32.5 in (0.83 m) |
9 ft 1 in (2.77 m) |
23 reps | |||
| All values from NFL Combine[3] | ||||||||||||
In the 1988 NFL draft, Spielman was drafted in the second round with the 29th overall pick by the Detroit Lions.[4] Spielman played eight seasons with the Lions (1988–95), where he was a defensive stalwart during the team's run to four playoff appearances, two NFC Central titles, and a berth in the 1991 NFC Championship Game. He captained the Lions' defense that was one of the best statistically in the NFL in the mid-1990s.[citation needed] Spielman is the franchise's all-time leader in career tackles with 1,138[5] (since the team began recording tackles statistically in 1973.) He also recorded 10 sacks, four interceptions, 30 pass defenses, 13 forced fumbles and 17 fumble recoveries during his Lions' career. He was the first Lion to lead the team in tackles seven consecutive seasons since 1973, including the team's highest single-season tally 195 tackles in 1994.[6]
Spielman represented the Lions in four Pro Bowls (1990–92, 1995) and was named the team's defensive MVP in 1993 and 1994. He played for the Buffalo Bills in 1996 and 1997. His 1997 season was limited because of a neck injury that required spinal surgery.
He chose to miss the 1998 season to assist his wife battling cancer.
He returned to the NFL in the 1999 season, with the Cleveland Browns. He retired before the regular season began, after suffering another neck injury. Spielman is also notable for being one of the players notable NFL draft "guru" Mel Kiper, Jr. has "missed" on, Kiper admitting in a 2001 post that he had underrated the linebacker.[7] In April 2009 Spielman was elected into the College Football Hall of Fame. His induction came in July 2010. In 2012, he appeared in an episode of the NFL Network show A Football Life. The episode celebrated his prowess on the field as well as his dedication to his family.[8]
On October 21, 2021, the Detroit Lions announced they were inducting Spielman into their "Pride of the Lions" club, which honors the greatest players in their history.[9]
Broadcasting career
[edit]
Spielman's broadcasting career started in 1999, as an NFL studio-show analyst for Fox Sports Net.[citation needed] After two years with FSN, Spielman joined ESPN in 2001.[citation needed] He served primarily as a color analyst for college football broadcasts, as well as studio analyst for college football. Spielman is also a contributor to the Columbus-based FM radio station 97.1 The Fan, an ESPN Radio affiliate. He previously hosted the show Spielman on Sports. Spielman used to appear every Tuesday afternoon on AM 1270 WXYT, a sports-talk radio station out of Detroit. Spielman has served as a color analyst for the Detroit Lions during the NFL preseason. In 2006, Spielman hosted a reality series on ESPNU called Summer House.[citation needed]

In 2016, Fox Sports announced that Spielman had joined Fox NFL coverage as a game analyst alongside veteran play-by-play announcer Dick Stockton and sideline reporter Kristina Pink. On select weeks, he also teamed up with Thom Brennaman and Charles Davis in a three-man booth.[10][11]
Coaching career
[edit]After the 2000 season, Spielman interviewed for the vacant Ohio State head coaching position previously held by John Cooper; however, the job eventually went to Jim Tressel.[citation needed] In 2005, Spielman coached the Columbus Destroyers of the Arena Football League to a 2–14 record.[12]
Executive career
[edit]Spielman was hired by the Detroit Lions as special assistant to chairman and president & CEO on December 15, 2020.[13]
NFL career statistics
[edit]| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Led the league | |
| Bold | Career high |
Regular season
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | Int | Yds | TD | FF | FR | ||
| 1988 | DET | 16 | 16 | 153 | – | – | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 1989 | DET | 16 | 16 | 125 | – | – | 5.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 1990 | DET | 12 | 12 | 108 | – | – | 2.0 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 1991 | DET | 16 | 16 | 126 | – | – | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| 1992 | DET | 16 | 16 | 146 | – | – | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 1993 | DET | 16 | 16 | 148 | – | – | 0.5 | 2 | -2 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 1994 | DET | 16 | 16 | 195 | 124 | 71 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| 1995 | DET | 16 | 16 | 137 | 90 | 47 | 1.0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 1996 | BUF | 16 | 16 | 157 | 111 | 46 | 0.0 | 1 | 14 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 1997 | BUF | 8 | 8 | 68 | 50 | 18 | 0.0 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 148 | 148 | 1,363 | 375 | 182 | 10.5 | 6 | 36 | 0 | 13 | 19 | |
Personal life
[edit]Spielman and his first wife Stefanie had four children. Stefanie survived four bouts with breast cancer, during which both she and her husband were active in raising funds for breast cancer research. While undergoing treatment, she lost her hair, prompting Spielman to shave his head in a show of solidarity.[14] Stefanie died on November 19, 2009, after the disease returned for the fifth time.[15]
In 2013, Spielman married Carrie Yocom, and adopted her two daughters.[16] The family resides in Upper Arlington, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio.[citation needed]
His son Noah played football for Wheaton College.[17] His daughter, Macy, played basketball for Ashland University.
His elder brother is Rick Spielman, former general manager of the Minnesota Vikings.[18] Rick's son, JD, played football for Nebraska and TCU.
References
[edit]- ^ "Michigan vs. Ohio State: The Rivalry". HBO. November 13, 2007.
- ^ "NEA 1985 All-America football team". Lead (SD) Daily Call. December 6, 1985. p. 7.
- ^ "Chris Spielman, Combine Results, ILB - Ohio State". nflcombineresults.com. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
- ^ "1988 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ "Chris Spielman Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
- ^ "Timeline « Chris Spielman". Archived from the original on September 19, 2018. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
- ^ Mel Kiper's comments re "missing out" on Spielman
- ^ "NFL Network's A Football Life Explores Life, Legacy of Steve McNair Oct. 17". titansonline.com. October 12, 2012. Archived from the original on October 18, 2012. Retrieved November 1, 2012.
- ^ "Lions to add Chris Spielman to Pride of the Lions". detroitlions.com. October 21, 2021. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
- ^ "FOX Sports Announces NFL Broadcast Teams for Super Bowl Season". www.foxsports.com. August 9, 2016. Retrieved August 10, 2016.
- ^ "Former Ohio State star Chris Spielman joining Fox as college football, NFL analyst". May 18, 2016. Archived from the original on August 25, 2016. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
- ^ Arena Fan - Celebrating the History of the Arena Football League
- ^ "C. Spielman returns to Lions as special assistant". ESPN.com. December 15, 2020. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
- ^ Official webpage for Chris Spielman Archived October 17, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Notice of Stefanie Spielman's death Archived November 25, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "About Chris « Chris Spielman". chrisspielman.com. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
- ^ Noah Spielman Bio - Wheaton Football
- ^ "Staff Members". Vikings.com. Retrieved October 25, 2019.
External links
[edit]Chris Spielman
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
High school career
Chris Spielman was born on October 11, 1965, in Canton, Ohio, and raised in the nearby city of Massillon, where he developed a passion for football amid the community's deep-rooted tradition of the sport.[4][5] Massillon, known as a football-centric town that played a pivotal role in the origins of professional football, provided an intense environment for young athletes, with Washington High School's Tigers program boasting a storied history of state championships and producing numerous college and pro talents.[6][7] At Massillon Washington High School, Spielman emerged as a standout two-way player, excelling as both an inside linebacker and running back from his sophomore through senior years (1981–1983).[8] He helped lead the Tigers to a 28–5 record over those three seasons, including a berth in the Ohio state playoff championship game, while earning recognition as a Parade All-American and Street & Smith All-American.[8] As a representative example of his defensive prowess, Spielman recorded numerous tackles and forced turnovers, contributing to Massillon's reputation for gritty, physical play in a program that emphasized tradition and community pride.[6] His versatility extended to the offensive side, where he rushed for significant yardage, such as 127 yards on 25 carries in a key 1982 victory over Sandusky.[9] Spielman's senior year in 1983 capped his high school dominance, as he received the Dial Award as the national high school scholar-athlete of the year, honoring his excellence in both academics and athletics.[3][10] Following his senior year, in 1984, he became the first high school athlete to be featured on the cover of a Wheaties box, a milestone that celebrated his leadership and impact on Massillon's football legacy.[11][8] Following his prep career, Spielman committed to Ohio State University, continuing his trajectory in college football.[6]College career
Chris Spielman enrolled at Ohio State University in 1984 and joined the Buckeyes football team as a linebacker, where he played through the 1987 season despite limited action as a freshman due to injuries.[12] Over his collegiate career, he amassed 546 total tackles, ranking third all-time at Ohio State, along with 11 interceptions and eight sacks, establishing himself as a dominant defensive force.[4] Spielman led the team in total tackles during his junior and senior years, with a standout performance of 205 tackles in 1986, including a school-record-tying 29 tackles in a single game against Michigan that year.[12] His exceptional play earned him widespread recognition, including two-time All-American honors (consensus in 1986 and unanimous in 1987) and three-time All-Big Ten selections.[12] In 1987, Spielman capped his senior season by winning the Lombardi Award as the nation's top college linebacker or lineman, as well as the Chic Harley Award from the Touchdown Club of Columbus, honoring Ohio's outstanding collegiate football player.[12][13] He also finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting that year, highlighting his impact on both defense and team leadership.[14] Spielman graduated from Ohio State in 1988 with a degree in recreation education.[15] His college achievements led to his selection in the second round (29th overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.[14]NFL playing career
Detroit Lions
Chris Spielman was selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round (29th overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft out of Ohio State University.[1] In his rookie season, he appeared in all 16 games, starting every one at inside linebacker, and recorded 153 combined tackles while contributing to a Lions defense that improved to allow fewer points per game than the prior year.[1] Spielman quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the unit, maintaining his starting role through the 1989 season and beyond, where he amassed 125 combined tackles.[1] Over his eight seasons with the Lions from 1988 to 1995, Spielman led the team in tackles every year.[16] His standout statistical year came in 1994, when he paced the NFL with 195 tackles, showcasing his relentless pursuit and instincts as a middle linebacker.[1] These efforts earned him four Pro Bowl selections representing the Lions in 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1994, along with All-Pro recognition: First-Team in 1991 and Second-Team in 1992 and 1994.[1][2] Spielman's tenure coincided with several playoff runs for the Lions, including appearances in 1991, 1993, 1994, and 1995. The pinnacle was the 1991 postseason, when the Lions advanced to the NFC Championship Game after defeating the Dallas Cowboys in the Divisional Round; Detroit fell to the Washington Redskins, 41-10.[1] His leadership and tackling prowess anchored a defense that supported the team's resurgence under head coach Wayne Fontes. Upon departing the Lions as a free agent after the 1995 season, Spielman retired as the franchise's all-time leader in career tackles with 1,138, a mark that underscored his durability over 128 games played.[2][1]Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns
After being released by the Detroit Lions following the 1995 season, Chris Spielman signed a four-year, $8 million contract as a free agent with the Buffalo Bills on March 8, 1996.[17] In his first year with the Bills, Spielman started all 16 games at middle linebacker and led the team with 157 total tackles (111 solo), contributing to a defense that ranked highly in several categories.[1][18] Spielman's 1997 season with Buffalo was cut short after just eight starts, where he recorded 68 tackles, due to a severe neck injury that necessitated spinal fusion surgery later that year.[1] He subsequently sat out the entire 1998 season to support his wife, Stefanie, during her battle with breast cancer.[19] On February 16, 1999, the Bills traded Spielman to the Cleveland Browns for past considerations, allowing him to attempt a comeback as the team's middle linebacker.[1] However, during a preseason game against the Chicago Bears on August 28, 1999, Spielman suffered another neck injury from a violent hit that left him momentarily paralyzed and numb from the waist down.[20] He announced his retirement on August 30, 1999, before the regular season, citing the cumulative toll of his injuries and the need to prioritize his family's well-being after 11 NFL seasons.[21][22]Career statistics
Chris Spielman's NFL regular season career totals include 148 games played and started, 1,363 combined tackles, 10.5 sacks, 6 interceptions, 15 forced fumbles, and 19 fumble recoveries.[1] Tackle statistics were not officially tracked by the NFL until the 1994 season, with prior years' figures based on estimates from team and media reports.[23] Notable single-season highs include 195 combined tackles in 1994 and 5 sacks in 1989.[1]| Year | Team | G | GS | Comb Tackles | Sacks | Int | FF | FR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | DET | 16 | 16 | 153 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 1989 | DET | 16 | 16 | 125 | 5.0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 1990 | DET | 12 | 12 | 108 | 2.0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 1991 | DET | 16 | 16 | 126 | 1.0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| 1992 | DET | 16 | 16 | 146 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 1993 | DET | 16 | 16 | 148 | 0.5 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| 1994 | DET | 16 | 16 | 195 | 0.0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| 1995 | DET | 16 | 16 | 137 | 1.0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1996 | BUF | 16 | 16 | 157 | 0.0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 1997 | BUF | 8 | 8 | 68 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | - | 148 | 148 | 1,363 | 10.5 | 6 | 15 | 19 |