Chris Spielman becomes 19th member of Lions Ring of Honor

On Thursday, the Detroit Lions announced former linebacker Chris Spielman will become the 19th member of their Ring of Honor.

On Thursday, the Detroit Lions announced former linebacker and current special assistant Chris Spielman will be inducted into the franchise’s Ring of Honor–the “Pride of Lions”–at halftime of the Oct. 31 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

“The Detroit Lions could not be prouder of Chris Spielman’s accomplishments on the field and in the community. He was pivotal to the success the team enjoyed during his time as a player and his induction into the Pride of the Lions cements his place in our history,” said Detroit Lions Team President and CEO Rod Wood. “We are thrilled Chris has rejoined the organization as a key member to build the future and we are proud to present him with the highest individual honor we can give to a Lions Legend.”

Spielman acknowledged the honor via a statement of his own.

“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. 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.”

Chris Spielman getting his due as an all-time great Detroit Lion

Spielman was drafted in the second round of the 1988 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, and he spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Lions. He made four Pro Bowls and earned three All-Pro honors over that time, and he’s the franchise’s all-time leader in tackles (1,138). He spent the last two seasons of his career with the Buffalo Bills.

Spielman will be the 19th member of the Lions’ Ring of Honor. Defensive tackles Roger Brown and Alex Karras, along with wide receiver Herman Moore, were most recently inducted in 2018. Other members include: cornerback Lem Barney, safety Jack Christiansen, quarteback Dutch Clark, offensive lineman Lou Creekmur, kicker Jason Hanson, cornerback Dick “Night Train” Lane, safety Yale Lary, quarterback Bobby Layne, cornerback Dick LeBeau, running back Barry Sanders, tight end Charlie Sanders, linebacker Joe Schmidt, guard Dick Stanfel, running back Doak Walker and offensive lineman Alex Wojciechowicz.

As part of his role as a special assistant, Spielman was told he had to tape a message. The moment the realized it had to do with himself was of course captured.

After his playing career was over, Spielman worked as a color commentator for NFL and college football for ESPN and FOX Sports. He was brought back to the Lions organization as an adviser after the firing of Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn to help the search for new football leadership. Now, finally really, one of the best defensive players in franchise history will take his place in the Ring of Honor.