Chris Spielman Biography

Charles Christopher Spielman, born October 11, 1965, is an American former professional football player who serves as a special assistant to the owner and CEO for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He played linebacker for the Ohio State Buckeyes, earning All-American honors on two occasions. Spielman graduated from Washington High School in Massillon, Ohio, in 1984, having received the Dial Award as the national high-school scholar-athlete of the year in 1983. In the 1988 NFL draft, he was selected in the second round with the 29th overall pick by the Detroit Lions. Spielman spent eight seasons with Detroit beginning in 1988, helping the Lions reach four playoffs, win two division titles, and make the 1991 NFC Championship Game. He holds the Lions' franchise record for career tackles with 1,138 since 1973, along with 10 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, 17 fumble recoveries, and 30 pass defenses. Spielman represented Detroit in four Pro Bowls beginning in 1990 and again in 1995, and earned team defensive MVP honors in 1993 and 1994.