Through his exemplary play as a star linebacker and now as one of the preeminent figures in the team's front office, Chris Spielman has permanently ingrained himself into the very fabric of the Detroit Lions franchise. That will soon be made clear for everyone once and for all, just as it was recently made clear to him.
In a video posted to the Lions' social media accounts, Spielman was brought into the team's media studio in order to do a promo spot to honor a Lions legend. As Spielman began to read through the teleprompter, it soon became clear that the legend in he was reading about was himself -- and that he was to be inducted into the Pride of the Lions, the team's Ring of Honor, during their Week 8 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Spielman, who works as a Special Assistant to the Chairman and President & CEO of the Lions, was the No. 29-overall pick in the 1988 NFL Draft and had one of the greatest careers of any player in the history of the franchise. Spielman earned Pro Bowl honors four times and was an All-Pro three times, including in 1991 when he starred on a Lions team that went all the way to the NFC Championship game. Spielman was twice named defensive MVP of the Lions, and he remains the team's all-time leader in tackles with 1,138.
"Anytime you are recognized for an individual award, as a part of a team-oriented pursuit, your immediate thoughts go to your family, teammates, coaches and all of the people in the organization. My time as a player was defined by these great relationships I forged, and I realize that they are the biggest reason for any success I may have had," read a statement by Spielman. "It truly was an honor to represent Lions fans around the world, the city of Detroit and every Lions player past, present and future for eight great seasons. I was and always will be a part of One Pride."
