Chris Spencer (American football)

Chris Spencer

Spencer on the sidelines during the November 2, 2008, game against the Eagles
No. -- Free agent
Position:	Offensive lineman
Personal information
Date of birth:	March 28, 1982
Place of birth:	Madison, Mississippi
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	309 lb (140 kg)
Career information
High school:	Madison (MS) Central
College:	Mississippi
NFL draft:	2005 / Round: 1 / Pick: 26
Career history
Seattle Seahawks (2005–2010) Chicago Bears (2011–2012) Tennessee Titans (2013–2014)
Career highlights and awards
USA Today High School All-American (2000)
Career NFL statistics as of 2014
Games played: 137 Games started: 95 Player stats at NFL.com

Christopher Clark "Chris" Spencer (born March 28, 1982) is an American football offensive lineman who is currently a free agent. 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.

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.

Pre-draft measurables

Ht	Wt	40-yd dash	10-yd split	20-yd split	20-ss	3-cone	Vert	Broad	BP
6 ft 2⅝ in	309 lb	5.21 s	1.81 s	3.04 s	4.61 s	8.07 s	32 in	8 ft 9 in	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

In 2006 he married Coastal Carolina Elite volleyball player Katherine Jensen.^[9]

References

1. "Jason Brown Draft Profile", Sports Illustrated, April 2005
2. "Chris Spencer Draft Profile", NFLDraftScout.com
3. Pompei, Dan (July 31, 2011). "Bears agree to terms with C Spencer; Kreutz gone". Chicago Tribune.
4. http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2012/5/23/3039261/chris-spencer-starting-at-left-guard-for-the-bears
5. http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/7050467/chicago-bears-guard-chris-spencer-suffered-minor-fracture-hand
6. Rosenthal, Gregg (2012-11-22). "Gabe Carimi latest to be benched by Chicago Bears". National Football League. Retrieved 2012-11-22.
7. Titans Agree to Terms with WR Kevin Walter, C/G Chris Spencer
8. David Smith, Michael. "Titans re-sign Chris Spencer to one-year contract". Pro Football Talk. Retrieved April 3, 2014.

External links

• Chicago Bears bio