Robert Spillane
Robert Spillane (born December 14, 1995) is an American football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Western Michigan.
![]() Spillane with the Tennessee Titans in 2018 | |||||||||||
No. 41 – Pittsburgh Steelers | |||||||||||
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Position: | Linebacker | ||||||||||
Personal information | |||||||||||
Born: | Oak Park, Illinois | December 14, 1995||||||||||
Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||||
Weight: | 229 lb (104 kg) | ||||||||||
Career information | |||||||||||
High school: | Fenwick (Oak Park, Illinois) | ||||||||||
College: | Western Michigan | ||||||||||
Undrafted: | 2018 | ||||||||||
Career history | |||||||||||
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Roster status: | Active | ||||||||||
Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||
Career NFL statistics as of 2019 | |||||||||||
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Player stats at PFR |
Early life and high school
Spillane was born and grew up in Oak Park, Illinois and Fenwick High School. He played both running back and linebacker at Fenwick. He was rated a three star recruit by several recruiting services and was originally recruited to play running back in college when he committed to play at Western Michigan.[1]
College career
Spillane played four seasons for the Western Michigan Broncos, appearing in 47 games (40 games). During his college career, Spillane accumulated 312 tackles (32.5 for loss), 10 sacks, four interceptions, five pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He was named second team All-Mid American Conference (MAC) selection in his junior season after recording 111 tackles, including 10.5 for loss, three sack, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.[2] As a senior, Spillane was again named second team All-MAC after compiling 88 tackles, 11 of which were for loss, 1.5 sacks and an interception, which he returned 35 yards for a touchdown.[3]
Professional career
Tennessee Titans
Spillane signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent on May 14, 2018.[4] He was cut from the 53-man roster at the end of training camp and subsequently re-signed to the Titans practice squad on September 2.[5] Spillane was promoted to the Titans active roster on October 9, 2018.[6] He made his NFL debut on October 14 in a 21-0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.[7] Spillane was waived by the Titans on October 29, 2018.[8]
Pittsburgh Steelers
On February 8, 2019, Spillane was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers.[9] He was waived on August 31, 2019 and was signed to the practice squad the next day.[10][11] He was released on September 24, 2019, but re-signed on October 8.[12] He was promoted to the active roster on November 5.[13] Spillane finished the season with 11 tackles in eight games played.[14]
Personal life
Spillane is the grandson of 1953 Heisman Trophy winner, College Football Hall of Famer and NFL halfback Johnny Lattner.[15]
References
- Drew, David (October 17, 2014). "WMU football freshman Robert Spillane a tough 'throwback' linebacker who finds inspiration from Heisman-winning grandpa". MLive.com. Retrieved August 20, 2019.
- Olsent, Corey (April 19, 2017). "Western Michigan linebacker Robert Spillane rejoins team after departure". MLive.com. Retrieved May 7, 2019.
- Nothaft, Patrick (May 15, 2018). "WMU LB Robert Spillane signs NFL free-agent deal with Tennessee Titans". MLive.com. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
- Bacharach, Erik (August 29, 2018). "From rookie tryout to preseason standout, Robert Spillane in mix for spot on Titans roster". Nashville Tennessean. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
- Wyatt, Jim (September 2, 2018). "Titans Add Six To Practice Squad, Including LB Robert Spillane and RB Dalyn Dawkins". TitansOnline.com. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
- "Titans waive WR Williams after big drop against Buffalo". Washington Post. Associated Press. October 9, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
- "Titans-Ravens Game Notes". TitansOnline.com. October 14, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
- Wyatt, Jim (October 29, 2018). "Titans Bring Back Fullback Jalston Fowler". TitansOnline.com. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
- Chester, Simon (February 8, 2019). "Steelers sign LB Robert Spillane and RB Malik Williams to reserve/futures contracts". Behind The Steel Curtain. SB Nation.
- "Steelers make roster cuts". Steelers.com. August 31, 2019.
- "Steelers announce 2019 practice squad". Steelers.com. September 1, 2019.
- Comeau, Jonathan (September 24, 2019). "Steelers Signing TE Alize Mack To PS, Cut LB Robert Spillane". NFLTradeRumors.co. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
- Varley, Teresa (November 5, 2019). "Steelers place Gilbert III on IR; promote Spillane". Steelers.com. Retrieved November 5, 2019.
- "Steelers' Robert Spillane: Two tackles in finale". CBSSports.com. RotoWire. January 2, 2020. Retrieved January 13, 2020.
- Wyatt, Jim (August 26, 2018). "Titans Rookie LB Robert Spillane is Ballin' – and He's Having a Ball in the Process". TitansOnline.com. Retrieved May 7, 2019.