Former Cleveland Browns linebacker Chris Spielman, left, at a news conference with his wife, Stefanie, in Berea, Ohio, on Aug. 30, 1999. Stefanie had been battling breast cancer since it was first diagnosed in 1998. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Stefanie Spielman dies at 42
Stefanie Spielman wife of Ohio State, NFL star
Updated: Thursday, 19 Nov 2009, 8:50 PM EST
Published : Thursday, 19 Nov 2009, 8:42 PM EST
The wife of former NFL and Ohio State 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 was a standout linebacker at Ohio State and a 10-year NFL veteran. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions and played for eight seasons. The four-time Pro Bowler finished his NFL career with the Buffalo Bills in 1996 and 1997 and the Cleveland Browns in 1999.
He's currently a college football analyst at ESPN.
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