Chris Spielman, the name familiar to most NFL fans, is the man behind the voice calling out outstanding and memorable moments that have been etched into many fan bases’ minds. However, few may know about the football player’s personal life or his career before broadcasting.
Back in the day, Spielman was one of the best linebackers of his generation, with four Pro Bowl appearances to his name. Additionally, the Ohio native, a College Football Hall of Fame, and winner of the Lombardi Trophy was named the team’s defensive MVP in 1993 and 1994.
During his footballing career, he played for Detroit Lions, The Buffalo Bills, and Cleveland Browns.
So, let’s get cracking on Chris’s journey, where we walk you through his untold early life stories and his current broadcasting career.
We have also provided you with details on his salary, net worth, age, height, wife, kids, family, early life, and social media.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Charles Christopher Spielman |
| Birth Date | October 11, 1965 |
| Birth Place | Canton, Ohio, U.S.A |
| Nick Name | Not available |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Education | Ohio State University |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Father’s Name | Charles Edward Spielman Jr. |
| Mother’s Name | Nancy Spielman |
| Siblings | Rick Spielman |
| Age | 58 Years Old |
| Height | 6’0″ (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 112 kg (248 lbs) |
| Shoe Size | Not available |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Light Brown |
| Body Measurement | Not available |
| Build | Muscular |
| Married | Yes |
| Girlfriends | No |
| Spouse | Carrie Yocom, Late Stefanie Spielman (1989-2009) |
| Profession | National Football League (NFL), Special assistant to the owner and CEO for the Detroit Lions |
| Position | Special Assistant (Current), Play-by-Play Commentator (Former), Linebacker (Former) |
| Net Worth | $4 Million |
| Broadcasting Affiliations | Fox Sports (Former), ESPN (Former) |
| Former Franchises | Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns |
| Social Media | |
| Merch | Chris Spielman’s Book |
| Last Update | April, 2024 |
Chris Spielman: Early Life, Family & Education
Charles Christopher Spielman was born to his parents, Charles Edward Spielman Jr. and Nancy Spielman, in Canton, Ohio, on October 11, 1965.
Chris grew up with his brother, Rick Spielman, an American football executive and most recently was general manager of the Minnesota Vikings. Furthermore, Spielman’s cousin, J.D, is currently playing football as a wide receiver for Texas Christian University.
Talking about Chris’s education, he attended Washington High School, where he became a superstar. Among others, Chris won the Dial Award in 1983, which is bestowed upon the best national high-school scholar-athlete.
Thereafter, the Ohio native played for his hometown University, Ohio State. During his time there, Spielman truly established himself as probably the best college prospect of his era.
To illustrate, Chris won the prestigious Lombardi Trophy and became the MVP in his senior year, a two-time All-American, and the Touchdown Club of Columbus’s Chic Harley Award.
Chris Spielman: Career
Having come out of college as one of the top prospects, it was no surprise that the Detroit Lions drafted Spielman as the 29th overall pick in the 1988 NFL Draft.
After that, the Ohio native stayed with the franchise for eight seasons (1988-95), establishing himself as a defensive stalwart in the Lion’s backline.
Some notable highlights of Detroit’s time include becoming the franchise’s defensive MVP consecutively in 1993 and 1994. Besides, Chris also became the first player in the Lions’ history to lead the team in tackles in seven consecutive seasons.
Additionally, he led his team to two NFC Central titles, four playoffs, and another final appearance, the 1991 NFC Championship game.
Spielman captained the Lions’ defense which was regarded as one of the best in the NFL in the mid-1990s, statistically.
Eventually, by the time he finished his career with the Lions, Chris had amassed a record of four interceptions, 30 pass defenses, 10 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, and 17 fumble recoveries.
Tragic Moment of His Career
After that, Spielman got traded to the Buffalo Bills, where he spent two years. Starting in 1996, Chris did brilliantly for the Bills, becoming the franchise’s leader in tackles with 206. Sadly, his second season with the team was hampered due to an injury to his neck, which required spinal surgery.
Then, the following season, the Ohio native’s wife got diagnosed with breast cancer. As a result, Spielman took a break from the sport to be with his wife. After returning a year later, Chris signed with Cleveland Browns.
But unfortunately, his previous neck injury kept bothering him throughout the season. Therefore, before the regular season began, Chris officially retired from NFL after 10 seasons.
In an interview, Chris talked about the football game from his point of view. Chris Said, “Football is a direct reflection of life. There are wins; there are losses; you get knocked down, you get back up.”
However, Spielman’s best moment of his career was yet to come. To explain, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Moreover, Chris was elected in the summer of 2010.
He was featured in an episode of the NFL Network show A Football Life in 2012 and after almost a decade on October 21, 2021, the Detroit Lions announced to induct Spielman into their “Pride of the Lions” club.
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Broadcasting Career
As soon as Chris retired from his playing career in 1999, he was eager to get back on the horse. But, due to his injuries, Chris had to content himself with a spot on the pundits’ bench.
Thus, Spielman began his broadcasting career, where fans have seen him become one of the best announcers of the game.
Initially, Chris started his broadcasting career as an NFL studio-show analyst for Fox Sports Net (FSN). After that, he joined ESPN in 2001 and remained with them until 2016.
Chris Spielman: Fox Sports
Nevertheless, after working for various sports media agencies, Fox Sports announced that Chris had signed with the company as their play-by-play announcer.
Fox Sports broke the news in 2016 that he had joined Fox Sports (Fox NFL) as a game analyst alongside veteran play-by-play announcer Dick Stockton and sideline reporter Kristina Pink. Spielman spent seven years as an analyst for the Lions Preseason TV.
Chris Quotes:
“You know the rule. If you’re long, you’re never wrong.”
Chris Spielman: Career Stats
| YEAR | TEAM | G | Total | Solo | AST | SCK | SFTY | PDEF | INT | TDS | YDS | AVG | LNG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Cleveland Browns | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1997 | Buffalo Bills | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| 1996 | Buffalo Bills | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| 1995 | Detroit Lions | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 1994 | Detroit Lions | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1993 | Detroit Lions | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -2 | -1 | 0 |
| 1992 | Detroit Lions | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1991 | Detroit Lions | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1990 | Detroit Lions | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| 1989 | Detroit Lions | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1988 | Detroit Lions | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 148 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10.5 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 36 | 6 | 38 |
Chris Spielman: Age, Height & Nationality
At the time of writing, Spielman is 58 years of age. Likewise, the Ohio native was born on the 11th of October, making his star sign Libra. And moving onto his nationality, Chris was born in Canton, Ohio. Hence, he holds an American passport.
Moreover, Spielman stands at 6 feet (1.83 m) tall and weighs 248 lb.(112 kg), which might be a little overweight for his body.
Having already retired from his playing career in the NHL a long time ago, the Spielman has earned the right to eat whatever he likes.
However, back in the day, Chris took care of his body to become one of his generation’s best linebackers.
As a matter of fact, the Ohio native made four appearances at the Pro Bowl, a one-off game where only the best players from all the 32 franchises combined to create a spectacle for the fans.
Chris Spielman: Book
Along with a huge success in his football career, Chris has published a book of his own. His book is named ‘That’s Why I’m Here: The Chris and Stefanie Spielman Story.’
This book reflects the love life of Chris and his wife Stefanie, their family wisdom and comfort in times of struggle, and cherishes the growth of their four children.
Likewise, in this book, Chris talks about how his wife Stefanie went through a cancer battle. Spielman started writing the book when his wife Stefanie’s cancer was terminal. The book also describes the connection and the time Chris and Stefanie spend together.
Chris Spielman: Net Worth & Salary
Spielman has a respectable huge amount of net worth accrued mainly from his playing career in the NHL and broadcasting career.
Moreover, Chris has been involved in professional football for over three decades. Hence, Chris deserves every penny of his massive net worth.
Chris Net-Worth is Estimated to be around $4 million.
Talking about his salary, Spielman is currently earning a reported $100,000 working as an analyst for Fox NFL.
Although this is just his fifth year with the American broadcasting giants, the Ohio native has been involved in sports media as far back as 1999.
As a matter of fact, Chris started broadcasting for Fox Sports Net as an NFL studio show analyst as soon as he retired from the NFL in 1999. Other than that, Spielman also worked for ESPN for a period of time.
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Chris Spielman: Wife & Children
As of now, Spielman is in a loving relationship with his wife, Carrie Yocom and adopted her two daughters, Gina Marie Yocom and Kendra Yocom. Likewise, the couple tied the knot in 2013 after dating for several years.
However, this is not Chris’s first marriage. In fact, the Ohio native was previously married to his late wife, Stefanie Spielman, on June 24,1989.
Together, the pair had four children, Madison Spielman, Noah Spielman, Macy Speilman, and Audrey Spielman. Unfortunately, Stefanie lost her life to breast cancer on November 19, 2009, after years of battle.
Nevertheless, that is in the past and should be left there. Speaking of now, Chris and his new family currently reside in Upper Arlington, an upscale area that lies in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio.
Chris Spielman Daughter
Madison, the eldest, the alumna of The Ohio State University, started to work at The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.
Madison published a book “Cancer Boo-Boo” after working on the manuscript, which her mother had worked on while battling with cancer.
Chris Spielman Son
On March 22, 2018, Spielman’s son Noah Spielman had his felony charges dropped off after pleading guilty. To emphasize, Noah was charged for his role in a hazing incident at Wheaton College in 2016. DuPage Judge Joseph Bugos signed arrest warrant against Noah and four other players and $50,000 bonds were declared too.
After this incident, Noah was suspended from the team and is now pursuing his career as a singer and songwriter.
Social Media Presence
He does not seem to be much active on social medias but below you can find his Facebook details;
Facebook: 14.4k followers
Chris Spielman | Popularity
Spielman is a popular former football superstar, a broadcaster, and special assistant.
The above graph shows Spielman’s fluctuating popularity in the states over three months period.
Some FAQs
What is Jersey’s Number of Chris?
Chris wore Jersey Number 54 for Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills.
Is Chris Spielman a Hall of Famer?
Spielman was elected into the College Football Hall of Fame in April of 2009.
Is Chris Spielman remarried?
Chris lost his first wife Stefanie after she suffered from Cancer. After a few years of Stefanie’s death, Chris married Carrie Yocom in 2013.
Is Chris Injured?
During Chris’s football career, he suffered from multiple injuries. One of the worst experiences with Chris was when he suffered from a neck injury after a nasty helmet-to-helmet collision with Bears’ Center, Casey Wiegmann.
How long did Chris Spielman play in the NFL?
Chris played for 10 seasons in the NFL.
