Chris Spielman is a former American football player who played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He was born on October 11, 1965, in Canton, Ohio, and attended Massillon Washington High School, where he played football and was named the Ohio Player of the Year in 1983.
Spielman went on to play college football at Ohio State University, where he was a two-time All-American and won the Lombardi Award in 1987. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 1988 NFL Draft and played for the team for eight seasons.
During his time with the Lions, Spielman was known for his toughness and leadership on the field. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1994. He also helped lead the Lions to four playoff appearances during his tenure with the team.
After leaving the Lions in 1996, Spielman played one season with the Buffalo Bills before retiring from football in 1998. He finished his career with 1,181 tackles, 19 sacks, and 12 interceptions.
Following his playing career, Spielman worked as a football analyst for ESPN and Fox Sports. He also became involved in philanthropy, founding the Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research in honor of his late wife, Stefanie, who passed away from breast cancer in 2009.
In 2012, Spielman returned to his alma mater, Ohio State, as a special assistant to the athletic director. He was later promoted to associate athletic director in 2018.
Overall, Chris Spielman had a successful football career, earning numerous accolades and establishing himself as one of the best linebackers of his era. He also made a significant impact off the field through his philanthropic work and contributions to the sport of football.
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