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CHRIS SPIELMAN: NEWS

Today's Hall of Fame induction is another step into the 'new normal' for Chris Spielman -- life without Stefanie
Tuesday,  December 8, 2009 3:02 AM
By Ken Gordon
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Chris Spielman will be both thrilled and saddened today.

On one hand, the only individual honor he said he ever wanted will come to pass when the former Ohio State linebacker is inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame at an awards banquet in New York.

On the other hand, there's a big hole. Spielman makes the trip without his wife, Stefanie, who died of cancer on Nov. 19.

"I'm looking forward to it, but there's going to be something missing," Spielman said. "Stefanie was such a big part of my success. That's not going to ruin the trip, but I'm not going to lie and say there's not going to be something missing.

"But I understand that she would be upset if I was in a down mood all the time, so I just kind of embrace it for what it is -- like a lot of days, it's a roller-coaster ride."

Spielman said he is dealing with the aftermath of Stefanie's death by telling his four children to come to terms with, "the new normal."

"It takes some time to get used to," he said. "We've been dealing with a bunch of firsts -- first day back at school (without Stefanie), back at church, first Christmas."

Stefanie was lauded for her passion -- to her family, and to the cause of breast-cancer research -- but in his playing days, Chris was known for exhibiting that trait, as well.

At OSU from 1984 to 1987, he was a two-time All-American, winner of the 1987 Lombardi Award, and is the school's third-leading tackler (546) and first in solo tackles (283).

He becomes the 28th former OSU player or coach to reach the hall. His class will be enshrined next summer at the hall in South Bend, Ind.

[read the rest of the article at Dispatch.com]
 
We've posted two new clips on the Video Clips page, both involving Chris's wife Stefanie. One is of the two of them singing "I've Got You Babe" during a recording session for the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer CD. And the other is the tribute video played at the life celebration for Stefanie on 11-24-09.
 

Stefanie Spielman loses battle with cancer at 42

Thursday,  November 19, 2009 7:03 PM

Stefanie Spielman has lost the cancer battle she fought publicly and relentlessly for more than a decade.

The breast-cancer advocate and wife of former football star Chris Spielman died this evening at her Upper Arlington home in the wake of her fifth bout with the disease. The mother of four was 42.

Considering it her life mission to raise money and awareness for the disease, Spielman in 1998 established the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research.

"I know there's a reason God gave me breast cancer, and I'm supposed to do something with it," she said that year.

As she shared her story throughout central Ohio, her fund raised more than $6.5 million for breast-cancer research, education and patient assistance at Ohio State University's Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

[read the rest of the story at the Columbus Dispatch]

 
 
Chris Spielman receives the College Football Hall of Fame plaque
Chris Spielman shows his College Football Hall of Fame plaque to wife Stefanie as his kids and Archie Griffin look on at halftime of the OSU-Navy game. (Columbus Dispatch photo by Jeff Hinckley)
 
 

NEW YOUTUBE CLIPS

Some new clips featuring Chris have been added to YouTube over the past few months, including both his interceptions from the 1987 Cotton Bowl. Check em out on the Video Clips page.
 

WELCOME

Thanks for visiting ChrisSpielman.com. This is a simple tribute site to a man who added a lot of heart to what he had been given in terms of size and talent and played with true intensity and impact. In a world of fat paychecks with big egos attached, Chris made a name for being "the real deal". He made his mark early (OSU Coach Jim Tressel said Chris was probably the best high school player he ever saw...) and often. If kids are looking for an athlete to emulate, they'd be hard-pressed to find a better role model. And most would agree that he showed what was truly important in life when he walked away from football for a year to be home with his wife when she was diagnosed with cancer.

We've done our best to bring together some items of interest to Spielman fans. Enjoy your visit!

- The Webmaster
    Common misspellings; Chris Spieilman, Chris Speilmen, Chris Spielmen, Chris Speelman
NOTICE: This is a fan site, neither affiliated with nor endorsed by Chris Spielman.