Former Ohio State LB Chris Spielman might have seen his playing days end in 1999, but he’s still having an impact in the NFL with the Detroit Lions.

The former All-Pro star for the Detroit Lions was inducted into the franchise’s “Pride of the Lions” club in 2021. He also re-joined the organization in a front office role as a Special Assistant to President/CEO and Chairperson.

Ahead of Saturday’s training camp practice, Detroit head coach Dan Campbell took a moment to praise Spielman’s impact and presence with the organization. Campbell said Spielman is someone who is usually unseen by those outside the organization but is a true confidant for the head coach.

“I don’t speak a lot about him, but Chris Spielman. You know, he does a lot for us,” said Campbell. “He’s kind of a little bit unseen and not always heard on the outside but I tell you what, he’s an important confidant and I’m glad he’s here. He’s somebody that kind of helps keep me straight, tells me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear. Always appreciate that about him. I just wanted to get that off my chest.”

Chris Spielman’s playing career

Spielman was a 2-time Consensus All-American for the Buckeyes in 1986-87 and captured the Lombardi Award in 1987. He received 3 All-Pro selections while playing for the Lions, including a First-Team All-Pro selection in 1991.

Spielman set Detroit’s franchise record for tackles with 1,020 and set the team’s single-season record with 195 during the 1994 season. He began his NFL career with 9 straight seasons of 100+ tackles.