Chris Spielman couldn’t have grown up under better circumstances.
First, he was born and raised in Ohio, a hotbed for the game of football.
Second, Spielman’s father was a football coach who taught his sons the sport from the inside out.
Spielman took that knowledge and became one of the best prep linebackers in the country.
He then matriculated to Ohio State University where he shined as the Lombardi Award winner and a two-time All-American.
“ When you are lazy, you disrespect those who believe in you. “
Chris Spielman
Massillon Washington HS
Ohio State, Lions, Bills, Browns pic.twitter.com/hKijvC3gNc— Rob Oviatt (@RobOviatt1) February 19, 2022
Spielman was fortunate enough to play close to home when he was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1988.
While playing for a decade in the NFL, Spielman racked up over 1,300 tackles and was voted to the Pro Bowl four times.
In retirement, Spielman stayed near to the game he loves and became a broadcaster before being hired as a special assistant for the Lions.
This is the story of Chris Spielman.
Coach’s Son
Charles Christopher Spielman was born on October 11, 1965, in Canton, Ohio, a place considered the birth of pro football.
Happy Birthday Chris Spielman#Lions pic.twitter.com/7LbFSB5fvF
— Old Time Football 🏈 (@Ol_TimeFootball) October 11, 2022
His father, Charles “Sonny” Spielman was a football coach who taught his sons, Rick and Chris, the sport just after they learned to walk.
“I knew what an I-formation was when I was six years old,” said Spielman. “I knew what a veer was, I knew what a full house was, or a T-formation. I knew a 50 defense, the four-four defense, I knew pass drops. I think that has carried over.”
The Spielman boys frequently tagged along when they were in elementary school and watched their father’s football practices.
Chris was in kindergarten when he started showing interest in the linebacker position.
By the time he was 12 and playing midget football, young Chris was breaking the bones of his opponents and causing their parents to complain.
#FlashbackFriday: In 1984, Stef & @Chris_Spielman attended Chris' senior prom at Massillon Washington High School. pic.twitter.com/jlALG8I6gR
— The Spielman Fund (@SpielmanFund) February 28, 2014
He continued plying the trade as a havoc-creating linebacker at legendary Washington High School in Massillon, Ohio.
Spielman was so good that he was chosen as the first prep athlete in history to appear on a box of Wheaties cereal and Parade Magazine named him the best linebacker in the country.
Today, former @Lions LB Chris Spielman will be inducted into the team's Ring of Honor, aka The Pride of the Lions. In 1984, when he was still at Massillon High School in Ohio, he appeared on a Wheaties Cereal box as part of the Search for Champions series. pic.twitter.com/sESfk6BFzX
— The World of Football (@TWOFKalamazoo) October 31, 2021
In 1983, he was given the Dial Award as the national high school scholar-athlete of the year.
During Spielman’s final two years in high school, the Tigers were supremely talented and rarely lost.
Unfortunately, one loss happened to be in the state title game in Spielman’s junior season.
Spielman becomes a Buckeye
Spielman was already well known locally, but his picture on a major cereal brand sent college coaches from around the country to Ohio.
Every one of his games produced a who’s-who of legendary football coaches including Earle Bruce, Ohio State’s head coach at the time.
When Bruce watched Spielman play, he was mesmerized.
“He made most of the tackles all night from the linebacker position,” Bruce said of his first live impression. “He was the punter. He was the punt returner. He was the kick-off returner. He did everything.”
As decision time approached, the two-time All-Ohio first-teamer was leaning toward signing with the Michigan Wolverines.
36 days….
Chris Spielman, Ohio State (1984-87) pic.twitter.com/Wz0NfKVFSP— collegefootballguy (@cfootballguy24) July 19, 2019
That idea was sacrilege for a kid from Ohio, especially for Spielman’s father.
“I’ll tell you where you’re going, you’re going straight down I-71 south to Ohio State, that’s where you’re going,” Sonny Spielman told his son. “Get on the phone and call those other coaches and then call Coach Bruce.”
Spielman did as he was told and accepted a scholarship to play for Bruce at Ohio State.
Impact Player
Spielman didn’t start as a freshman, but he did get a lot of playing time.
Even with a stacked linebacker room that included future New York Giants great Pepper Johnson, Spielman played in every game.
During his first collegiate contest, Spielman paced the sidelines behind Coach Bruce just itching to get into the action.
“Play me! This is why you recruited me!” yelled Spielman to Bruce.
Bruce finally sent him into the game in the third quarter and Spielman made an impression by getting 10 tackles, deflecting a pass, and making a forced fumble against Oregon State.
Even with his limited minutes that day, the linebacker was still named the Defensive Player of the Game.
After a 9-3 record in 1984, Ohio State went 9-3 again in 1985 (including an upset of then top-ranked Iowa) while Spielman became a starter and helped the Buckeyes beat BYU in the Florida Citrus Bowl.
On This Date In Ohio State History – Nov. 2, 1985 – Chris Spielman recorded a game-high 19 tackles and two interceptions to help No. 8 Ohio State knock off No. 1 Iowa, 22-13.
📷: Ohio State Athletics pic.twitter.com/pxnfNGpTa9
— Andrew Lind (@AndrewMLind) November 3, 2020
Spielman also had three interceptions for eight return yards that season, in addition to hammering ball carriers.
“Chris taught me what intensity looked like in football,” Bruce said years later. “He had fun, but football was his consuming passion. He always has and always will set a standard for pure love of the game.”
29 Tackles Against Michigan
In 1986, the Buckeyes improved to 10-3 including a victory over Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl.
Spielman was named the Top Defensive Player of the game after getting two interceptions, one for a touchdown, and 11 tackles.
OSU began the year by dropping their first two games before rebounding to win the next nine.
The final regular season contest pitted the seventh-ranked Buckeyes against long-time rival and sixth-ranked Michigan in Columbus.
As usual, the contest was a brutal display of man-versus-man and Spielman played like a man possessed.
Although the Buckeyes came up short, 26-24, Spielman made an astounding 29 tackles against the Wolverines.
https://twitter.com/rvargo8/status/801116469585182720
That number broke a program record held by Tom Cousineau for most tackles in a single game.
Spielman’s record day was only part of his 105 solo tackle output of the year (while also adding four picks for 84 return yards), an amount that had not been previously reached.
Despite his amazing year, Spielman still realized he had room to improve.
“I guess sometimes I’m over-aggressive,” said Spielman. “Sometimes when I make a great play, I come off the field and I’m hyperventilating. I need more of a controlled insanity.”
After the year, Spielman was named a Consensus All-American and was 10th in the Heisman Trophy balloting.
He was also a finalist for the Lombardi and Butkus Awards.
Senior Year
Spielman hoped to conclude his college career in 1987 with another bowl victory and a possible national championship.
However, it was not meant to be as OSU fell to 6-4-1 in Bruce’s final year.
Even though the Buckeyes were losing games, Spielman continued to prepare as if his life depended on it.
“I’m a Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde type,” said Spielman. “When I’m on the field, or lifting or running, I try to be the meanest, nastiest son of a gun who ever walked. I don’t want anybody else bothering me. That’s my time, not anybody else’s.”
He piled up more tackles as a senior while also grabbing two interceptions.
During his senior year, Spielman was named the Buckeyes’ team MVP and was chosen for the Chic Harley Award by the Columbus Touchdown Club for the College Football Player of the Year.
Speaking of great '80s mustaches, here's Chris Spielman accepting the 1986 Lombardi Award: pic.twitter.com/SxGPDE0w
— SI Vault (@si_vault) November 29, 2011
Spielman was again named an All-American while being selected as the Lombardi Award winner for the best college linebacker or lineman in the nation.
Additionally, he received the sixth most votes for the Heisman.
In 2009, Spielman was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
During his collegiate career, Spielman had 546 tackles (including an OSU-best 283 solo stops), eight sacks and 11 interceptions.
Second Round Snub
There was little doubt that Spielman was one of the best linebackers in the country heading into the 1988 NFL Draft.
Unfortunately, NFL teams have a habit of overthinking their picks and instead take someone at the position with less talent.
With pick 29 in the 1988 NFL Draft, the #Lions selected Chris Spielman, LB, Ohio State.
He posted a poor #RAS with poor size, v.poor speed, okay explosiveness, at the LB position.
He made four pro bowls in his career. pic.twitter.com/WUhxsW2nIw
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) May 15, 2019
With the first overall selection of the draft, the Atlanta Falcons picked Auburn linebacker Aundray Bruce.
Cal linebacker Ken Harvey came off the board next at number 12 with the Phoenix Cardinals.
The Cleveland Browns selected Florida ‘backer Clifford Charleton at number 21.
In the second round, Atlanta double-dipped and picked linebacker again, this time selecting USC’s Marcus Cotton.
Then, with the 29th pick of the draft, the Detroit Lions took Spielman.
Looking back, only Harvey (four career Pro Bowls) had a pro career as good as Spielman.
Ahead of his induction into the Pride of the Lions on Sunday, enjoy a #TBT look back at Chris Spielman's career in Detroit! pic.twitter.com/sjEAwyyDxp
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 28, 2021
Arriving in the Motor City in ‘88, Spielman relied on vets such as Mike Cofer and Dennis Gibson to show him the ropes.
Not that he needed any help.
In his rookie year, Spielman started every game and had 153 tackles followed by 125 tackles and a half sack in 16 starts in 1989.
That same year, he was selected for the first of four Pro Bowls, and former Canton, Ohio and McKinley High School native Wayne Fontes took over the full-time head coaching position.
The result was a 7-9 record, but Detroit was close to turning things around for the better.
1991
After Detroit won just six games in 1990, the 1991 season was shaping up to go sideways as well.
Before the year, the Lions drafted Virginia receiver Herman Moore who didn’t immediately set the world on fire.
In his rookie season, Moore caught 11 passes and failed to find the end zone.
Along the way, starting quarterback Rodney Peete got the Lions to a 5-2 start before suffering an Achilles injury that ended his season.
Second-year quarterback Andre Ware couldn’t get the job done, so Erik Kramer took over under center.
Then, in Week 12 against the LA Rams, guard Mike Utley was injured and carted off the field.
While lying on the stretcher, Utley raised his arm with a thumbs-up gesture to the home crowd.
This Day in Sports History: On November 17, 1991, Detroit Lion Mike Utley gets paralyzed in a game. As Utley left the field, he displayed a "thumbs up" gesture for the crowd and that became the symbol of the 1991 Detroit Lions season. #OnlySportsTalk #TheFanaticEsquires pic.twitter.com/76wJQVKVSW
— The Fanatic Esquires (@FanaticEsquires) November 17, 2020
It wasn’t until after the contest that the team and its fans found out that Utley’s injury paralyzed him from the waist down, ending his career.
Despite all the setbacks, Kramer kept the offense humming, and running back Barry Sanders was a nightmare for opponents.
By the end of the regular season, Detroit had a 12-4 record (the most wins in team history) and faced a divisional-round showdown with the Dallas Cowboys.
Detroit Shocks Dallas in the 1991 Playoffs
In 1989, the Cowboys won only one game.
Two short years later and Dallas was back in business and back to the playoffs.
Before heading to Detroit, Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson and his defensive coaches had one primary goal in mind against the Lions.
“Dallas came into the game and said they were gonna stop Barry Sanders,” recalled Fontes in 2024. “That was their thinking because every down they had eight men in the box.”
That wasn’t a big deal to Fontes and his team.
It just meant that Kramer would have to throw often.
“We had Herman Moore, Willie Green and Brett Perriman. We had three good receivers,” said Fontes. “So, they were saying “’You’re gonna have to pass to beat us,’” and I recall my coordinator (Dave Levy) came up to say “’Coach, they’ve got eight men in the box every time,’” and I said, “’Well, keep throwing it.’” So we kept throwing the ball to Herman and Brett and Willie. We were catching balls all over the field.”
As talented as Dallas was, they couldn’t keep pace with the Lions passing game and fell behind early.
January 5, 1992: Detroit #Lions recorded their 1st and only postseason win in the Super Bowl era (since 1966) during a blowout win over the Dallas Cowboys highlighted by Barry Sanders’ legendary TD run after breaking a plethora of tackles
pic.twitter.com/mokEWq4DyZ— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) January 5, 2022
Spielman and his defensive mates kept Troy Aikman and the Cowboys offense in check as well.
“The game wasn’t close, but we never let up,” recalled Spielman. “In the NFL sometimes when games get like that, you see teams let up, and there’s always a comeback, but it just never got to that point. Everything was clicking. Like, offensively, defensively. (Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman) tried to Hail Mary at the end of the first half, and I was able to go up and get it for an interception, which is pretty cool to have a playoff interception.”
Late in the fourth quarter, the Lions were leading 31-6 and Sanders had barely touched the ball all day.
Not Barry Sanders, but Tony Casillas AKA #75 AKA the guy who stood there while Sanders was directly behind him, galloping toward the end zone. pic.twitter.com/XHVLUCxYDQ
— Frustrated Motown Sports Fan (@RadioDanH891) March 31, 2021
Just for grins, Fontes called a play for Sanders and the running back proceeded to rip off a huge 47-yard run for a touchdown.
During his run, several Cowboys had a chance to bring Sanders down and all of them failed.
Defensive tackle Tony Casillas got so turned around that he didn’t know Sanders was behind him at one point, still running like mad.
“I see it all the time on those top-10 runs, and I’m the guy that they shadow, highlight in white,” remarked Casillas. “He runs right by me. I turn around, and I’m like “’What the hell?’” I tell people that Barry did that to a lot of people.”
When the game ended, the Lions had thoroughly embarrassed Dallas, 38-6.
It was the organization’s first playoff victory since winning the Playoff Bowl in 1962.
Detroit would then get eliminated in the NFC Championship a week later against Washington.
Spielman Becomes a Bill
Over the next four years, Spielman continued to start every game and helped the Lions return to the playoffs after the 1993, 1994, and 1995 seasons.
Detroit lost in the Wild Card round each year.
During that period, Spielman continued chasing ball carriers and led the NFL in both combined tackles (195, also a team and personal best) and solo stops (124) in 1994.
He was selected for his fourth Pro Bowl that season, and for the second year in a row, was named the Lions’ defensive MVP.
Then, after leading the Lions in tackles for the eighth consecutive year, Detroit decided not to keep their tackling machine after the 1995 season and Spielman signed with the Buffalo Bills for four years and $8 million.
On this day in 1996: #Bills signed free agent LB @chris_spielman from @DetroitLionsNFL pic.twitter.com/NHJuza9FXk
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) March 20, 2014
As soon as he arrived in Buffalo, Spielman made an impression on Bills owner Ralph Wilson.
“He came up and put his face really close to mine,” recalled Wilson. “He said, ‘Thanks for bringing me here. You won’t be disappointed.’ He didn’t smile. I was a little afraid.” Wilson smiles at his Spielman anecdote, then adds, “He’s the most intense player we’ve had here in 37 years.”
Spielman then got to work by assuming a starter’s role.
“He didn’t know anybody on the team,” said defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, “but he was going to take over because that’s the way he thought it ought to be. That told us a little about his mentality.”
During his first season with the Bills, Spielman made 157 combined tackles and collected an interception.
Happy 49th Birthday to Chris Spielman, one of the greatest men to ever put on a #Bills uniform #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/X8r24p3lH3
— John Kucko (@john_kucko) October 11, 2014
Buffalo advanced to the postseason but lost to Jacksonville in the Wild Card round.
Then, in 1997, Spielman had 68 total tackles and a pick before a neck injury shut him down for the rest of the season.
Spielman Devotes Time to His Wife
Before the 1998 NFL season, Spielman’s wife, Stefanie, was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent treatment to try and halt the disease.
To help his wife and care for their four kids, Spielman didn’t play in ‘98.
“I’ve thought about this, and it’s the only way. I’m taking the year off from football to deal with this,” announced Spielman to his family.
His wife objected, but Spielman wouldn’t back down an inch.
“I knew he was a great person,” Stefanie said. “I knew we had a strong marriage. But for what he did for me and our family, I can never repay him. I just hope he never looks back at this year and regrets it.”
In a show of solidarity, when Stefanie lost her hair to radiation treatments, Spielman shaved his head too, which made him look tougher.
On 10/14/1998, Stefanie & @Chris_Spielman announced the formation of the #SpielmanFund. #ThrowbackThursday pic.twitter.com/oUv5D8jtvj
— The Spielman Fund (@SpielmanFund) June 12, 2014
While helping around the house, Spielman gained an appreciation for what mothers across the world do every day.
“Homemaking is difficult,” Chris said. “Before I never cared if the kitchen was clean. Now I clean it three times a day. I’ve learned how important mothering is. Women are the only people who can do it perfectly. I’ve gained so much respect for mothers, and I’ve learned patience. Real patience.”
Spielman Retires
In 1999, Spielman returned to football by signing with the Cleveland Browns, who were making their own return after a three-year absence and move to Baltimore.
February 16, 1999: Ohio’s LB🏈
2️⃣5️⃣ yrs ago OTD, expansion #Browns trade "past considerations" to Bills for LB Chris Spielman
“I want to play for Browns. I'm a NE Ohio guy".
Played 3 preseason gms before retiring #OH – #LB ! pic.twitter.com/OcC5p5npN0— Mr. Cleveland Sports (@MrCleveland_216) February 16, 2024
Unfortunately, Spielman sustained another neck injury and he decided it was time to call it quits before the season started.
During his 10-year career, Spielman had 1,363 total tackles including 375 solo tackles (the NFL didn’t keep track of solo stops until 199. His 1,138 tackles as a Lion set a franchise record).
He also had six interceptions, forced 13 fumbles, and had 19 fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a score in 1994.
Spielman was a four-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro and was a member of the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 1988.
Since retiring, Spielman has been inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and selected as a member of the Lions’ All-Time Team, 75th Anniversary Team, and as a member of the Pride of the Lions.
Life After the NFL
Now that he was done playing football, Spielman decided to spend his time talking about the sport.
In 1999, he joined Fox Sports Net then ESPN two years later as an analyst for college football.
Sadly, the same year he was voted to the College Football Hall of Fame (2009), Stefanie Spielman died after her cancer returned for the fifth time.
Chris Spielman married Carrie Yocom in 2013 and adopted Yocum’s two daughters.
In 2021, Spielman joined the Lions when he was hired by the team to be their Special Assistant to President/CEO and Chairperson.
The @Lions have hired @chris_spielman to serve as the team's Special Assistant to Chairman and President & CEO.
In his 8-year career with Detroit (1988-95), he became the team's all-time leading tackler (1,138), made 4 Pro Bowls, made 3 AP All-Pros & was a 2-time defensive MVP. pic.twitter.com/6345kIBkNo
— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) December 15, 2020
While Spielman was playing in Detroit, his brother, Rick, was a scout for the team.
Today's Falcons-Vikings game will be called by the FOX broadcast team of Thom Brennaman, Shannon Spake and Chris Spielman – the brother of Vikings GM Rick Spielman.
Chris and Rick are pictured here at the Detroit Lions 1988 training camp, where they both played linebacker. pic.twitter.com/oxnDpitdzR
— Vikings Communications (@VikingsPR) September 8, 2019
Rick Spielman continued working his way up the personnel ladder and was the general manager of the Miami Dolphins in 2004 before becoming the Minnesota Vikings’ GM from 2012-2021.
References
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-09-06-sp-6216-story.html
https://www.cfbhall.com/news-and-happenings/blog/throwback-thursday-chris-spielman/
https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/chris-spielman-1.html
https://vault.si.com/vault/1985/11/11/splish-splash-iowa-took-a-bath
https://vault.si.com/vault/1987/08/31/chris-spielman
https://footballfoundation.org/honors/hall-of-fame/chris-spielman/2244
https://www.chrisspielman.com/about-chris
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SpieCh00.htm
https://www.detroitlions.com/news/where-are-they-now-chris-spielman
https://www.detroitlions.com/team/front-office-roster/chris-spielman
NEXT: The Life And Career Of Roy Williams (Story)
