Chris Spielman currently serves as the Lions Senior Football Advisor to Ownership after formally rejoining the organization in a front office role in 2021. He played an integral part in the hiring of Executive Vice President and General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell and reports directly to President and CEO Rod Wood.
Spielman was originally drafted by the Lions in the second round (29th overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft following an All-American career as a linebacker at Ohio State. He is Detroit's all-time leader in career tackles with 1,138 and led the Lions defense for eight seasons (1988-95), helping the team to four playoff appearances, two NFC Central titles and a berth in the 1992 NFC Championship Game. He earned four Pro Bowl selections (1989, '90, '91 and '94) and was twice named the team's defensive MVP. In 2021, he became the 19th player in franchise history to be inducted into the Pride of the Lions, the team's ring of honor.
Spielman also spent time during his NFL career with the Buffalo Bills (1996-97), setting a team and personal record with 206 tackles during the 1996 season, and Cleveland Browns (1999).
Spielman entered the field of broadcasting at the conclusion of his playing career with FOX Sports in 1999. He joined ESPN in 2001, where he worked primarily on "ESPN College Football Saturday." He returned to FOX in 2016 as a color analyst for NFL games and spent seven years as an analyst for Lions Preseason TV.
A graduate of Washington High School (Massillon, Ohio) and The Ohio State University, Chris is married to his wife, Carrie, and together they share six adult children.
