Chris Spielman
The hard-hitting linebacker who became the Lions' all-time leading tackler and a three-time All-Pro.
Chris Spielman is an American former professional football player who is a special assistant to the owner and CEO for the Detroit Lions. He played linebacker for the Ohio State Buckeyes, twice earning All-American honors, and 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's Columbus Destroyers. He was a broadcaster for Fox Sports and ESPN from 1999 to 2020.
- Role
- Middle Linebacker
- College
- Ohio State University
- Pro Bowl Selections
- 4-time Pro Bowler while with Detroit
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Spielman's path to Ohio State was shaped by his father, a lifelong Buckeyes fan. When Spielman told his dad he wanted to go to Michigan, his father replied, "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." At Ohio State, Spielman was a three-time All-American, 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. Drafted in the second round with the 29th overall pick by the Detroit Lions in the 1988 NFL draft, Spielman played eight seasons with the Lions (1988–95). He captained the Lions' defense during their run to four playoff appearances, two NFC Central titles, and a berth in the 1991 NFC Championship Game. Spielman is the franchise's all-time leader in career tackles with 1,138 (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 of 195 tackles in 1994. Spielman represented the Lions in four Pro Bowls (1990–92, 1995) and was named the team's defensive MVP in 1993 and 1994.
In Their Own Story
Spielman's career took a dramatic turn when he chose to miss the 1998 season to assist his wife battling cancer. His wife Stefanie survived four bouts with breast cancer, and during her treatment, she lost her hair, prompting Spielman to shave his head in a show of solidarity. Stefanie died on November 19, 2009, after the disease returned for the fifth time. Spielman returned to the NFL in the 1999 season with the Cleveland Browns, but retired before the regular season began after suffering another neck injury. In April 2009, Spielman was elected into the College Football Hall of Fame, with his induction coming in July 2010. In 2012, he appeared in an episode of the NFL Network show A Football Life, which celebrated his prowess on the field as well as his dedication to his family. 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. After his playing career, Spielman was hired by the Detroit Lions as special assistant to chairman and president & CEO on December 15, 2020.
Reader's Guide
Chris Spielman's NFL career spanned from 1988 to 1999, primarily with the Detroit Lions. Drafted in the second round (29th overall) in the 1988 NFL draft, he immediately became a defensive stalwart. His eight seasons with the Lions (1988–95) included 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. His 1,138 career tackles make him the franchise's all-time leader since the team began recording tackles statistically in 1973. He was the first Lion to lead the team in tackles seven consecutive seasons since 1973, including the team's highest single-season tally of 195 tackles in 1994. He represented the Lions in four Pro Bowls (1990–92, 1995) and was named the team's defensive MVP in 1993 and 1994. After playing for the Buffalo Bills in 1996 and 1997 (his 1997 season limited by a neck injury requiring spinal surgery), he missed the 1998 season to assist his wife battling cancer. He returned to the NFL with the Cleveland Browns in 1999 but retired before the regular season began after suffering another neck injury. Spielman is also notable for being one of the players NFL draft "guru" Mel Kiper, Jr. has "missed" on, Kiper admitting in a 2001 post that he had underrated the linebacker.
Did You Know?
- Spielman was the first high school athlete to have his picture on a box of Wheaties.
- He won the Lombardi Award as the best college football lineman or linebacker at Ohio State.
- Spielman is the Lions' franchise all-time leader in career tackles with 1,138 since the team began recording tackles statistically in 1973.
- He chose to miss the entire 1998 NFL season to assist his wife battling breast cancer.
- Spielman was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in July 2010.