Spielman Hired As TV Analyst

September 16, 1999 / 6:36 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Chris Spielman, who retired from the NFL last month because of injuries that left him temporarily paralyzed, has been hired as a studio analyst for Fox Sports Net's NFL pregame show.

Spielman signed a two-year contract and made a guest appearance Sunday, when "NFL This Morning" made its debut at 11 a.m. on the cable channel's lead-in to the Fox' network pre-game show. He joined his former coach in Buffalo, Marv Levy, along with Chris Myers and Jackie Slater.

Â"Not many players can step off the field and right into a studio analyst's chair, but Chris was so solid in his debut that we want him to be part of our team,Â" said Arthur Smith, executive producer of the show. Â"With the same determination that Chris showed on the field, there's no doubt in our minds that he'll get even better with experience.Â"

The 33-year-old linebacker called it a career last month after trying to return from neck surgery with his hometown expansion Cleveland Browns. He isn't certain what his future holds, but knows it will involve football.

Â"I want to stay around the game and I didn't expect this opportunity so soon,Â" Spielman said. Â"Obviously, one day I'd like to get into coaching. ... and I wouldn't mind eventually getting into the analyst part of television. I think that's where I would excel.Â"

Spielman underwent neck fusion surgery in 1997, and took last season off to care for his wife, Stefanie, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. He took a hit in an exhibition game last month against Chicago that left him temporarily paralyzed, but the injury was unrelated to the one in 1997.

Â"I've learned with everything that has happened you literally take things one day at a time,Â" Spielman said. Â"Hopefully, Fox will be pleased with me at the end of the year.Â"

But Spielman is already having difficulty with his new profession.


*Former NFL linebacker Chris Spielman will debut as an analyst for Fox Sports Net* on Sunday.** (AP)

Â"You always look for perfection and I stumbled over a few words last week when I was talking about Mike Ditka,Â" Spielman said. Â"I want to do well and be credible. I have strong opinions.Â"

Spielman said he's already received a commitment from Seattle wide receiver Spielman said. Â"I want him to have a chance to give his side of the story publicly.Â"

Spielman made the Pro Bowl in three consecutive seasons for the Detroit Lions (1989-91), and again in 1994. Following the 1995 season, he signed as a free agent with the Bills. In 1996, he led the team with 206 tackles.