Detroit Lions: The Most Underrated Players In Team History
Chris Spielman
Chris Spielman was drafted by the Lions in the second round in 1988 and immediately won the start at inside linebacker. He became a team captain and would be named to four Pro Bowls in his time with Detroit. When he left Detroit in 1996, he was the franchise’s all-time leader in total tackles (1,138), a title he still holds.
Spielman was a tenacious linebacker with a nose for the ballcarrier. He started all but four games for the Lions from 1988-1995 and led the team in tackles in seven straight seasons, including a team-record 195 total tackles in 1994.
Spielman joined the Buffalo Bills in 1996 but was limited the next season by a neck injury. After missing the 1998 season to help his wife, who was battling cancer, Spielman attempted a comeback in 1999 with the Cleveland Browns, but another neck injury caused him to retire before the season began. After retirement, Spielman became a broadcaster and has called college football on ESPN since 2001. He was also the subject of an episode of NFL Network’s “A Football Life” in 2012.
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