Alonzo Robert Spellman (born September 27, 1971) is a former American football defensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL) for the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, and Detroit Lions. He also was a member of the Las Vegas Gladiators in the Arena Football League (AFL). He played college football at Ohio State University.
Early years
Spellman attended Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mount Holly, New Jersey. As a senior linebacker, he stood tall and weighed approximately . He tallied 104 tackles and 14 sacks, receiving USA Today All-American honors, All-state and New Jersey Player of the Year honors.
As a senior in basketball, he averaged 17 points and 22 rebounds per game.
College career
Spellman accepted a football scholarship from Ohio State University. As a true freshman, he was named a starter at outside linebacker, registering 10 tackles for loss (led the team), 4 sacks (tied for the team lead). Some observers in the media considered that this was his best position and best season in college.
As a sophomore, he was moved to defensive end, posting 52 tackles (9 tackles for loss) and 2 sacks. He was suspended for the Liberty Bowl and placed on academic probation, after he was caught sending another person to take a classroom test for him.
As a junior, he earned team MVP honors after making 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 3 passes defensed and one forced fumble in 9 games. He declared for the NFL Draft after the season.
Professional career
Chicago Bears
Spellman was selected by the Chicago Bears in the first round (22nd overall) of the 1992 NFL Draft, entering the league as a 20-year-old rookie. He was a backup behind future hall of famer Richard Dent at right defensive end, making 30 tackles, 4 sacks (fourth on the team) and one pass defensed. In 1993, he tallied 28 tackles, and 2.5 sacks.
In 1994, new head coach Dave Wannstedt chose not to re-sign Dent and Spellman became the starter at right defensive end. He recorded 60 tackles, 7 sacks (second on the team), 8 passes defensed (third on the team) and one blocked kick.
In 1995, he was moved from right to left defensive end during training camp. He collected 66 tackles, 8.5 sacks (second on the team), 5 passes defensed and 4 forced fumbles.
In 1996, he posted 78 tackles, 8 sacks (led the team), 2 passes defensed and 3 forced fumbles. He became a restricted free agent after the season, when his rookie contract expired. The Jacksonville Jaguars offered him a four-year $12 million contract that was matched by the Bears.
In 1997, he injured his left shoulder in the fourth game against the New England Patriots, forcing him miss the next 5 contests. He also experienced some off-field incidents and was suspended for 3 games. He finished with 5 starts in 7 games, 15 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 passes defensed. On November 26, he was re-instated to play against the Detroit Lions. On June 12, 1998, he was waived after he refused to leave his publicist's house for eight hours during a standoff with the police, until being arrested. The next day, he left Good Shepherd Hospital, shirtless and shoeless in freezing weather.
Dallas Cowboys
On July 28, 1999, after being out of football for a year, the Dallas Cowboys took a gamble and signed him as a free agent after he was diagnosed and received treatment for bipolar disorder. He was moved from defensive end to defensive tackle during training camp, and went on to register 16 starts, 43 tackles (tied for tenth on the team), 2 tackles for loss, 22 quarterback pressures (led the team) and 5 sacks (tied for second on the team).
In 2000, he started 15 games, finishing with 33 tackles (3 for loss), 7 quarterback pressures, 2 passes defensed and 5 sacks (second on the team). During his time with the Cowboys he was a solid player, but never regained the previous form he showed with the Chicago Bears.
Detroit Lions
On August 12, 2001, he signed as a free agent with the Detroit Lions. He was cut to make room for wide receiver Bert Emanuel on October 24.
Las Vegas Gladiators (AFL) On October 18, 2005, he was signed by the Las Vegas Gladiators of the Arena Football League, after being out of football for 4 years. He played middle guard in the defense.