MASSILLON — This former NFL star and Stark County legend is already an All-American, but now he’s got another title under his belt.
Former Ohio State University linebacker Chris Spielman was among the ranks in the Associated Press’ All-Time All-America list, a compilation of the top players in 100 years of All-America teams. Spielman earned a spot on its first-team defense.
“A three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection, Spielman was named the top defensive player in the 1987 Cotton Bowl. He was also a member of two Big Ten championship teams (1984, 1986),” according to the College Football Hall of Fame. “He twice led the Buckeyes in tackles and graduated as the school’s all-time leader in solo tackles (283).”
During his time at OSU, Spielman was a two-time first-team All-American, and was the recipient of the Lombardi Award in 1987.
Spielman was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009, completing his OSU career with 546 tackles, eight sacks and 11 interceptions.
Chris Spielman spent 11 seasons in the NFL with the Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns
After college, Spielman was drafted by the Detroit Lions, where he spent eight seasons.
“He played eight seasons with the Detroit Lions, two with the Buffalo Bills and one with the Cleveland Browns,” according to the College Football Hall of Fame. “Chris was selected to four Pro Bowls before retiring as Detroit’s all-time leader in tackles.”
Following his NFL career, he became an analyst for ESPN before becoming Special Assistant to President/CEO and Chairperson for the Lions in 2021.
Who else made the AP’s All-Time All-America first-team?
Here’s a look at the players who received the first-team honor:
First-team offense
First-team defense
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Remember this face? Former Massillon Tiger is now an All-Time All-American
Reporting by Janson McNair, Canton Repository / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
