Chris Spielman: Hall of Fame Linebacker & Lions Exec on Building Winners in Detroit

This week on The JustIn Time Podcast, we sit down with Chris Spielman—four-time NFL Pro Bowler, College Football Hall of Famer, and current Detroit Lions executive. Chris takes us behind the curtain of his storied football journey, from growing up with a legendary high school coach for a father and starring at Ohio State, to leading the Detroit Lions in tackles and helping build their current contender as a front office leader. We relive unforgettable stories: Chris’s days on the Wheaties box, his fierce battles with Barry Sanders and Bo Jackson, and the emotional decision to step away from football to care for his late wife. Chris shares powerful lessons on operating without fear, building team culture, and the importance of giving back—highlighted by his family’s $26 million cancer research fund at Ohio State. This episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and the kind of authentic storytelling only a true football lifer can deliver. Don’t miss this candid conversation with one of the game’s most respected voices.

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⏰ Timestamps:

(00:00:00) - Justin welcomes Chris Spielman; career highlights and first impressions

(00:05:30) - The importance of health after football and balancing life post-retirement

(00:09:50) - Growing up with a legendary coach as a father; early football influences

(00:13:40) - High school days: basketball, Wheaties box, and handling pressure

(00:17:00) - The college decision: Ohio State vs. Michigan, recruiting stories

(00:22:00) - Giving back: Starting a cancer research fund and family legacy

(00:28:00) - Life after loss: Remarriage, blended families, and operating without fear

(00:36:00) - Building the Lions: Draft strategy, Dan Campbell, and team culture

(00:45:00) - Instincts, toughness, and playing through pain

(00:49:45) - Inside stories: Practicing with Barry Sanders, NFL battles, and humility

(00:57:00) - Rapid-fire: Favorite games, toughest opponents, and lasting lessons

(01:02:00) - Closing reflections and gratitude

💡Key Topics:

📌 Chris Spielman’s journey from Ohio State to the Detroit Lions (Ohio State, Detroit Lions, NFL legacy)

📌 Building a winning culture in Detroit with Dan Campbell (team leadership, front office, NFL draft)

📌 Life lessons on adversity, family, and giving back (cancer research, personal sacrifice, resilience)

📌 Behind-the-scenes stories from the NFL: Barry Sanders, Bo Jackson, and more (NFL legends, locker room stories)

📌 The value of humility and authenticity in sports (teamwork, leadership, sports values)

🏈 About Chris Spielman:

Chris Spielman is a College Football Hall of Famer, four-time NFL Pro Bowler, and the Detroit Lions’ all-time leading tackler. After a standout career at Ohio State and 11 seasons in the NFL, he transitioned to broadcasting and now serves as Special Assistant to the President/CEO of the Detroit Lions. His impact off the field is equally profound, leading a $26 million cancer research fund in honor of his late wife and mentoring the next generation of athletes.

🎙️ About the JustIn Time Podcast:

The JustIn Time Podcast brings you exclusive, in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports and beyond. As veteran broadcasters, Justin brings unfiltered discussions with legendary coaches, professional athletes, and influential figures who share their remarkable journeys and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

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