Former Detroit Lions linebacker Chris Spielman admits he did not achieve the level of success on the field that he would have envisioned.
Now, serving the team that made him the No. 29 overall pick in the 1988 draft allows the former broadcaster another opportunity to aid the Lions significantly change the narrative among fans and pundits.
Speaking with the Detroit News, Spielman shared his motivations, aspects of his role and how fan behavior gave him added fuel to achieve his desired goals.
When principal owner Sheila Hamp was booed by fans at Ford Field in October of 2021, Spielman gained added motivation, as he has been working as a Special Assistant since December of 2020.
"All that did was motivate me more because I took that personally," said Spielman. "When they booed her, I took it personally, because I'm here to help her."
In his time working with Hamp, Spielman wanted to make it clear he does not see an owner who is disinterested in winning.
Many supporters have wondered what his role within the organization entailed.
Spielman shared that he was given the freedom to define his own role, but wanted to make it clear he was not angling to move up to take anyone's job.
Among the tasks he focuses on is college scouting, writing reports, aiding the personnel department grade the roster after each game. He has even been learning about the salary cap.
In general, his only agenda is aiding the Lions win a Super Bowl and helping people around him succeed.
A humble servant.
"Football is in me. It's not the most important thing in my life. My faith, my family, then football. But, I never succeeded as a player, and I have one more chance to succeed," Spielman said. "Success is defined as winning a Super Bowl. I didn't succeed. I fell short. So, I have one more shot."
If the Lions do eventually end up winning a Super Bowl, Spielman will have achieved his ultimate vision -- being part of a winner and witnessing his efforts produce the ultimate satisfaction for those around him.
"When Sheila, Dan and Brad hold up a Super Bowl trophy - this is my No. 1 goal - and I'm sitting in the back thinking, 'I'm good. I'm done. See you,'" Spielman said. "I'll be in Sanibel hanging out with a drink."
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