Chris Spencer (American football)
Christopher Clark "Chris" Spencer (born March 28, 1982) is a former American football center. He was selected with the 26th overall pick in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft out of the University of Mississippi by the Seattle Seahawks. He has also played for the Chicago Bears.
Spencer on the sidelines during the November 2, 2008, game against the Eagles | |||||||
No. 65, 67, 60 | |||||||
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Position: | Center | ||||||
Personal information | |||||||
Born: | Madison, Mississippi | March 28, 1982||||||
Height: | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | ||||||
Weight: | 309 lb (140 kg) | ||||||
Career information | |||||||
High school: | Madison Central (Madison, Mississippi) | ||||||
College: | Mississippi | ||||||
NFL Draft: | 2005 / Round: 1 / Pick: 26 | ||||||
Career history | |||||||
Career highlights and awards | |||||||
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Career NFL statistics as of 2014 | |||||||
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Early years
Spencer was born in Madison, Mississippi. He was part of the nationally ranked and undefeated Madison Central High School in the Madison football team in 2000, which contained 5 current NFL players. After his prep career, he was one of the most highly touted offensive line recruits in the Southeast. His home ties led him to choose the University of Mississippi, where he played alongside Madison Central teammates Doug Buckles and Mike Espy (of the Washington Redskins). During the 2003 season, the Ole Miss Rebels had an impressive campaign, winning 10 games concluded with a Cotton Bowl Classic victory over Oklahoma State.
Professional career
2005 NFL draft
Spencer was considered one of the best centers available in the 2005 NFL draft, along with Jason Brown. He was projected a late second round pick,[1] and was eventually selected 26th overall in the first round.
Height | Weight | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |||
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6 ft 2 5⁄8 in (1.90 m) |
309 lb (140 kg) |
5.21 s | 1.81 s | 3.04 s | 4.61 s | 8.07 s | 32 in (0.81 m) |
8 ft 9 in (2.67 m) |
26 reps | |||
All values from NFL Combine[2] |
Seattle Seahawks
In his first season with the Seattle Seahawks, he played 7 games. In the 2006 season, he played in all 16 games for Seattle, starting 13 of them, most at the guard position, next to longtime Seattle center Robbie Tobeck. Spencer succeeded Tobeck as starting center for the 2007 season, as Tobeck had retired at the end of 2006.
Chicago Bears
On July 31, 2011, he was signed by the Chicago Bears to replace the outgoing Olin Kreutz.[3] During the 2011 season, Spencer alternated between center and guard with Roberto Garza.[4] In Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers, Spencer subbed for Lance Louis, but would himself go out of the game with a hand injury.[5]
On November 22, 2012, Spencer was named as the Bears starting guard after Chilo Rachal was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list.[6]
Tennessee Titans
On April 1, 2013, Spencer signed with the Tennessee Titans.[7] On April 2, 2014, Spencer re-signed with the Titans on a new one-year deal.[8]
Personal life
In 2006, he married Coastal Carolina Elite volleyball player Katherine Jensen.[9]
References
- "Jason Brown Draft Profile", Sports Illustrated, April 2005
- "Chris Spencer Draft Profile", NFLDraftScout.com
- Pompei, Dan (July 31, 2011). "Bears agree to terms with C Spencer; Kreutz gone". Chicago Tribune.
- http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2012/5/23/3039261/chris-spencer-starting-at-left-guard-for-the-bears
- http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/7050467/chicago-bears-guard-chris-spencer-suffered-minor-fracture-hand
- Rosenthal, Gregg (November 22, 2012). "Gabe Carimi latest to be benched by Chicago Bears". National Football League. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
- "Titans Agree to Terms with WR Kevin Walter, C/G Chris Spencer". Archived from the original on May 5, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
- David Smith, Michael. "Titans re-sign Chris Spencer to one-year contract". Pro Football Talk. Retrieved April 3, 2014.