Using Bad For Good

Chris Spielman shows his college football hall of fame plaque awarded to him on

Sept. 5 at Ohio State to his wife, Stefanie.
His four children and Ohio State great Archie Griffin look on.

Chris Spielman is one of my favorite Ohio State football players. He was a guy who gave his all on every play. The team seemed to feed off of his intensity. Without question, he is one of the greatest linebackers ever to wear the scarlet and gray. He also was a tremendous player in the NFL for many years.

However, I gained even more respect for him when, in 1998 after 10 seasons in the NFL, he put his career on hold to be at his wife, Stefanie's side as she began her battle against breast cancer. I don't think many men would have chosen to do that. What a great example.

I was at the game on September 5th of this year in which Chris' induction into the College Football Hall of Fame was celebrated (pictured above). I didn't realize that Stefanie was sick again until I saw her in a wheel chair.

A week or so ago I saw an article online which appeared in the Canton Rep in which they shared a little about their struggle. The last section of the article focused on their Christian faith and how that has gotten them through some difficult times. This same article appeared in our local paper a couple of days ago, only they decided to omit the entire section about their faith. Sad.

This quote was contained in that section:

Their journey together has been about football and fame, but it also has been about strength, courage and keeping things in perspective.

“I think we’ve been given certain assignments in life,” he said. “I like to think we’ve done the best we could for (cancer survivors) in service as opposed to shutting down. Hopefully, we’ve been able to make a difference with the monies raised and the people we met and talk to that our experience can help in a small way.

“This is an honorable and humbling journey we’ve been on. It’s something that is way bigger than being a football guy.”

What struck me as I read this article was they way they have used this as a positive thing. The Speilmans have used their celebrity and influence as a platform to raise millions of dollars for cancer research. But they have done so much more than that...they have given hope to many, many people who are dealing with tough circumstances in their own lives. What an incredible and honorable thing.

"And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

Esther 4:14b