CHRIS SPIELMAN: STORIES AND COMMENTS

I must first let on that I am not really, nor have I ever really been, an Ohio State fan.  I had heard of Chris when I was younger while he was playing with the Lions, and I remember thinking how tough I thought the Bills were going to be “because of that Spielman dude.”

Last October, my family and I suffered the tragedy of losing my brother, Jason Marchand, in Iraq.  I had become friends with Chris’s co-host on the fan, Bruce Hooley (an incredible individual), and through Bruce, Chris donated an autographed Ohio State football to our foundation, which was raffled off to help us raise money for a memorial scholarship in my brother’s name.  When I went to the Fan to pick up the items that Bruce had arranged for us, ironically enough, Chris was in Iraq visiting with our troops.

Yesterday (August 21, 2008), I went down to visit Bruce and to give him a gift from my family for helping us out, and while I was waiting, Chris walked through the front door, and I finally got the opportunity to thank him for his incredible kindness.  I’m sure that he gets approached all the time in Columbus, so I wanted to be quick, so I thanked him as best I could, shook his hand, and he looked me in the eye, and said “It was my pleasure, an honor.”  For me, it’s knowing guys like Bruce and Chris care so much that makes it an honor to have the 45 seconds that I had to say thanks.

You can visit our website below and see a picture of Chris’ autographed football.

::Eric Parsons
Thirty-Eight Twelve Foundation

Forever in Memory of Cpl Jason Marchand
www.jasonmarchandmemorial.org
April 8, 1981-October 5, 2007
KIA Operation Iraqi Freedom
Bronze Star*Purple Heart
Rest Easy, Jason, Your Mission Is Complete...

Back in 1989 I met Chris at a local gym in Auburn Hills, Michigan. I at the time really didn't keep up with the football scene and didn't know a lot about the Detroit Lions. I was working out when he asked me to spot him doing about 150lbs. dumbell's on the bench. He racked out about 10 reps pretty easy. I was impressed to say the least. I myself am a competitive powerlifter who knows a lot about strength. My best lifts to date are 775 squat, 470 bench and 675 deadlift. Anyway, he asked me if I trained there all the time and if I would like to train with him during the next month because the weight room at the Pontiac SilverDome was under construction. I agreed and I worked out with him for four days a week, not knowing who he really was other then Chris.

I really found this guy to be very supportive and a great family-oriented man. Family came first, then the profession. I finally found out what he did for a living but I really didn't care because again I was not a football fanatic. He spoke to me on how to focus and never give up. How he imagines that someone is kidnapping his daughter before he tackles someone and that is how he makes the tackles hurt. He was never a bragger nor did he ever run anyone down.

I started following football after I met him just to see what type of player he was. After seeing him for the first time I was really hooked. The things he did on the field were simply amazing. When he paced the sideline like a crazed animal I knew that he was for real. I married the following year to my wife Loni and I told her about the experience of meeting Chris and the things that he told me. Then when we heard about his wife and the miscarriage and the cancer we were shocked but very proud to know a man that would stay at his wife's side like he did.

I look at the professional athletes of today and I am not impressed whatsoever. The bottom line of the game is money and fame. The football world would be so much better with athletes like Chris who plays for the love of the game but also gives respect and leadership and also promotes that family is first. Chris has taught me that my family is my life and powerlifting is just a hobby and will always stay that way.

I am still married to Loni and we are going to have our thirteenth aniversary. We have four great kids and they all play football except my daughter who cheerleads. I also coach the little league team for our city. And guess what kind of coach I am???

You guessed it, DEFENSE.

Thanks again and by the way, I love the site.

:: Dante F.