"Commitment is not a test drive. It is a firm Resolve to purpose and the Foundation that fulfills your goals. It is life with a vision. Embrace it. Anything Less Is your trial and error."

- Chris Spielman
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Spielman family photo
Strength in Commitment

The big goals in life are not easy. Finding ‘Strength in Commitment’ sounds like a healthy, indisputable proposition. But commitment, arguably the most important of all attributes that contribute to success and fulfillment is often the most misrepresented and misunderstood.

We’re quick to recognize talent and intellect, desire and dedication, and the bonus of tenacious confidence. They are all promising core ingredients. They vary by degrees within every individual, every business or organization, but we are fairly sure of the recipe, hopefully all topped off with a measure of good fortune.

So what then is commitment? And no, it is not the same thing as dedication. Commitment is unlike any other attribute because it defies measurement. It is not portioned or accredited by degrees. It is not even an ingredient in the recipe, but the flame beneath the pot.

Commitment is first a moment that confirms an ‘all in’ proposition to a purpose. It is choice… a firm and lasting resolve founded on personal or shared values that are steadfast, beyond reproach including circumstances that may defy hope and expectation. Life can shake confidence. It will find ways to disrupt dedication and desire. Commitment is the keystone of endurance and conviction. It is the one essential attribute that guards all others, and through crisis strengthens character, ability and potential. Light the flame, and enjoy the ride.

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1965
Born in Massillon, Ohio

Chris Spielman was born to Sandy and Nancy Spielman on October 11, 1965 in Canton, Ohio.Chris grew up in a blue-collar neighborhood with his parents and older brother, Rick. With a football coach for a father, Chris’ love of football started at birth.

Born in Massillon, Ohio
1965
Born in Massillon, Ohio

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Born in Massillon, Ohio

Chris Spielman was born to Sandy and Nancy Spielman on October 11, 1965 in Canton, Ohio.Chris grew up in a blue-collar neighborhood with his parents and older brother, Rick. With a football coach for a father, Chris’ love of football started at birth.

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1983
The Years That Set The Stage

As a shy 16-year-old, Chris was thrust into the national spotlight at a very young age.Between his junior and senior years of high school, Chris was selected by Wheaties as a winner of their nationwide Search of Champions and placed on box covers.

The Years That Set The Stage
1983
The Years That Set The Stage

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The Years That Set The Stage

As a shy 16-year-old, Chris was thrust into the national spotlight at a very young age.Between his junior and senior years of high school, Chris was selected by Wheaties as a winner of their nationwide Search of Champions and placed on box covers.

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1984
An All-American Career

In 1984, Chris graduated from Washington High School in Massillon, Ohio and began his career at The Ohio State University.As a senior at OSU, Spielman led the team in tackles and interceptions in both 1986 & 1987. Chris was a 2x All-American, intercepted 11 passes, and ranked 3rd in Buckeye history with 512 tackles.

In 1987, Chris won both the Lombardi and the Harley Chic awards as the best college football lineman or linebacker and was named Ohio State’s team MVP.

An All-American Career
1984
An All-American Career

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An All-American Career

In 1984, Chris graduated from Washington High School in Massillon, Ohio and began his career at The Ohio State University.As a senior at OSU, Spielman led the team in tackles and interceptions in both 1986 & 1987. Chris was a 2x All-American, intercepted 11 passes, and ranked 3rd in Buckeye history with 512 tackles.

In 1987, Chris won both the Lombardi and the Harley Chic awards as the best college football lineman or linebacker and was named Ohio State’s team MVP.

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1988
Drafted By The Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions drafted Chris in the 2nd round as the 29th pick. Chris played eight seasons with the Lions, which included 4 playoff appearances, 2 NFC Central titles, and a berth in the 1992 NFC Championship Game.Chris led the team in tackles for eight consecutive seasons, including the team’s highest single-season tally of 195 tackles in 1994.

He is Detroit’s all-time leader in career tackles with 1,138 (since the team began recording tackles statistically in 1973).He also represented the Lions in 4 Pro Bowls (1990–92, 1995) and was named the team’s defensive MVP in 1993 and 1994.

Drafted By The Detroit Lions
1988
Drafted By The Detroit Lions

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Drafted By The Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions drafted Chris in the 2nd round as the 29th pick. Chris played eight seasons with the Lions, which included 4 playoff appearances, 2 NFC Central titles, and a berth in the 1992 NFC Championship Game.Chris led the team in tackles for eight consecutive seasons, including the team’s highest single-season tally of 195 tackles in 1994.

He is Detroit’s all-time leader in career tackles with 1,138 (since the team began recording tackles statistically in 1973).He also represented the Lions in 4 Pro Bowls (1990–92, 1995) and was named the team’s defensive MVP in 1993 and 1994.

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1989
In Addition To Athletic Achievements

In addition to his many athletic achievements, Chris received his degree from The Ohio State University in Recreation Education.Then on June 24, 1989 Chris married his high school sweetheart, Stefanie Belcher.

In Addition To Athletic Achievements
1989
In Addition To Athletic Achievements

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In Addition To Athletic Achievements

In addition to his many athletic achievements, Chris received his degree from The Ohio State University in Recreation Education.Then on June 24, 1989 Chris married his high school sweetheart, Stefanie Belcher.

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1994
A Growing Family

Chris and Stefanie welcome their first daughter, Madison.The Spielmans would go on to have three more children. Their son Noah and two more daughters, Macy and Audrey.

A Growing Family
1994
A Growing Family

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A Growing Family

Chris and Stefanie welcome their first daughter, Madison.The Spielmans would go on to have three more children. Their son Noah and two more daughters, Macy and Audrey.

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1996
Sets Personal and Team Records

Chris played for the Buffalo Bills in 1996 and 1997, and set a team and personal record with 206 tackles during the 1996 season.Unfortunately, his 1997 season was cut short as a result of a neck injury that required spinal surgery.

Sets Personal and Team Records
1996
Sets Personal and Team Records

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Sets Personal and Team Records

Chris played for the Buffalo Bills in 1996 and 1997, and set a team and personal record with 206 tackles during the 1996 season.Unfortunately, his 1997 season was cut short as a result of a neck injury that required spinal surgery.

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1999
Retired From The NFL

After taking the 1998 season off to take care of Stefanie, Chris joined the Cleveland Browns.Though before the season could begin Chris was forced to retire after suffering from another neck injury.

Retired From The NFL
1999
Retired From The NFL

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Retired From The NFL

After taking the 1998 season off to take care of Stefanie, Chris joined the Cleveland Browns.Though before the season could begin Chris was forced to retire after suffering from another neck injury.

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2001
A Career In Broadcasting

First a NFL studio-show analyst for Fox Sports Net, Spielman joined ESPN as a broadcast analyst as well as studio analyst for college football.Chris is also a contributor to the Columbus, Ohio based FM radio station 97.1 The Fan (an ESPN Radio affiliate). In addition he hosted his own 2 hour show called “Spielman on Sports”. Chris is now back with Fox Sports as a NFL analyst.

A Career In Broadcasting
2001
A Career In Broadcasting

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A Career In Broadcasting

First a NFL studio-show analyst for Fox Sports Net, Spielman joined ESPN as a broadcast analyst as well as studio analyst for college football.Chris is also a contributor to the Columbus, Ohio based FM radio station 97.1 The Fan (an ESPN Radio affiliate). In addition he hosted his own 2 hour show called “Spielman on Sports”. Chris is now back with Fox Sports as a NFL analyst.

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2005
Head Coach Of The Columbus Destroyers

Chris coached in the Arena Football League with the Columbus Destroyers, compiling a 2-15 record.

Head Coach Of The Columbus Destroyers
2005
Head Coach Of The Columbus Destroyers

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Head Coach Of The Columbus Destroyers

Chris coached in the Arena Football League with the Columbus Destroyers, compiling a 2-15 record.

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2009
The Loss Of A Beloved Mother and Wife

On November 19, 2009 Stefanie Spielman lost her 10 year battle with Breast Cancer. The Stefanie Spielman Breast Cancer Research Fund, which Chris and Stephanie started in 1998 with a goal of raising $250,000, has now grown into a $10 million fund and nationally recognized organization.

The Loss Of A Beloved Mother and Wife
2009
The Loss Of A Beloved Mother and Wife

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The Loss Of A Beloved Mother and Wife

On November 19, 2009 Stefanie Spielman lost her 10 year battle with Breast Cancer. The Stefanie Spielman Breast Cancer Research Fund, which Chris and Stephanie started in 1998 with a goal of raising $250,000, has now grown into a $10 million fund and nationally recognized organization.

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2010
College Hall Of Fame

After being selected in 2009 for the College Hall of Fame, Chris Spielman was inducted on July of 2010.

College Hall Of Fame
2010
College Hall Of Fame

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College Hall Of Fame

After being selected in 2009 for the College Hall of Fame, Chris Spielman was inducted on July of 2010.

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2013
Marriage To Carrie Yocom

In July of 2013 Chris married Carrie Yocom, who brought 2 daughters to the family, Kendra and Gina.

Marriage To Carrie Yocom
2013
Marriage To Carrie Yocom

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Marriage To Carrie Yocom

In July of 2013 Chris married Carrie Yocom, who brought 2 daughters to the family, Kendra and Gina.

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2020
Executive with the Lions Organization

Crhis Spielman has joined the Lions organization as Special Assistant to Chairman and President & CEO

Executive with the Lions Organization
2020
Executive with the Lions Organization

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Executive with the Lions Organization

Crhis Spielman has joined the Lions organization as Special Assistant to Chairman and President & CEO

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2021
Detroit Lions Ring of Honor Induction

Spielman is the 19th member of the Lions’ version of the ring of honor. He is the team’s all-time leading tackler, leading the entire NFL over the eight-year span he spent in Detroit (1988-1995) and earning four Pro Bowl nods and one first-team All-Pro (1991).

Detroit Lions Ring of Honor Induction
2021
Detroit Lions Ring of Honor Induction

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Detroit Lions Ring of Honor Induction

Spielman is the 19th member of the Lions’ version of the ring of honor. He is the team’s all-time leading tackler, leading the entire NFL over the eight-year span he spent in Detroit (1988-1995) and earning four Pro Bowl nods and one first-team All-Pro (1991).

Chris Spielman
Re-joins Lions
Chris Spielman re-joins the Lions in a front office role as Special Assistant to President/CEO and Chairperson.
Detroit Lions
Chris Spielman LionsLions induction
GET A CAMEO FROM CHRIS

Is there a football game coming up you want to be hyped up for? Curious on how I went pro and what I did to become a linebacker? Do you have some Fantasy Football opponents who just need to be roasted based on their terrible picks for the week? Maybe you just want to send someone a special birthday message,  or hear encouraging words of motivation in your life? No matter the request, you can ask me directly and receive a personalized video from me now on CAMEO!

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Make a Donation to
THE Stefanie Spielman Fund

The Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research is devoted to advancing research in breast cancer. 100 percent of every gift to the fund goes directly to research of at Ohio State's Comprehensive Cancer Center
- James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.