http://www.detnews.com/article/20091...-cancer-battle


Wife of former Lion Chris Spielman dies at 42 after lengthy cancer battle

Detroit News staff and wire

Columbus, Ohio -- The wife of former Lions star Chris Spielman has died after a lengthy battle with cancer.



WBNS radio in Columbus, where Chris Spielman co-hosts a show, says 42-year-old Stefanie Spielman died Thursday at the family's home in Upper Arlington.

Stefanie Spielman was 30 years old and three months pregnant in 1998 when she detected a lump in her breast. She later miscarried and discovered she had cancer. Chris Spielman was playing linebacker with the Buffalo Bills when he decided to give up football for a year to stay home with his wife and children. When his wife lost her hair because of chemotherapy treatments, he shaved his head.



The Spielmans became advocates for breast-cancer detection and research, winning several awards for their dedication to the cause.



Chris Spielman, a standout linebacker at Ohio State, was drafted by the Lions in 1988 and became one of the team's most popular players before leaving after the 1995 season. He's currently a college football analyst at ESPN.



Condolances to the Spielman family. I always thought Chris was fierce warrior, a throwback to and earlier era, who played the game with his whole heart and soul. This must be a crushing loss for him and his family.