Every Lions fan knows Chris Spielman. He’s franchise royalty, from his time as a Pro Bowl linebacker through his current tenure as a special assistant to owner Sheila Hamp.
But what exactly is Spielman’s role in that job title? Justin Rogers of the Detroit News conducted a great, informative interview with Spielman himself to find out. It’s a very worthwhile read.
One thing that stood out was how Spielman operates behind the scenes of pretty much everything the Lions do, but does so in a nonthreatening manner to the people around him.
Here’s what Spielman told Rogers about his goals and ambitions in his unique position,
“I’ve been given the freedom to define the role, but in order to do that, the one thing I had to get, because it’s a paranoid business by nature, I had to make sure I had everybody’s trust, that I have zero agenda other than winning,” he said. “Zero. I tell everyone, ‘I’ve already done my thing, man. I have zero agenda. I don’t want another role. I’m not looking for another role.’ My goal is to help everybody succeed to their highest level. When that happens, I feel like I win.”
For Spielman to embrace the attitude of putting the team over his individual success is another reason why we still see so many No. 54 jerseys around Detroit.
Check out Rogers’ full interview with Spielman at the Detroit News. You’ll be glad you did.
