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C. J. Spillman
refer to caption
Spillman with the 49ers in 2013
No. 41, 27, 37
Position: Safety / Special teamer
Personal information
Born: (1986-05-06) May 6, 1986 (age 39)
Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight: 192 lb (87 kg)
Career information
High school: Central (Louisville, Kentucky)
College: Marshall
Undrafted: 2009
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 103
Forced fumbles: 1
Fumble recoveries: 2
Player stats at PFR

Claude Norman "C. J." Spillman Jr. (born May 6, 1986) is a former American football player. He played as a safety and a special teamer in the National Football League (NFL). Spillman joined the San Diego Chargers in 2009 as an undrafted free agent. He played college football at Marshall University.

Early Life and High School Football

C. J. Spillman grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. He went to Louisville Central High School. In high school, he played both running back and defensive back. He was chosen for all-state and all-conference teams in his last two years. Spillman also played track and field for three years.

College Football Career

Spillman became a starting free safety in his second year at Marshall University. He played in nine games and made 79 tackles. This placed him third on his team.

The next year, he started 12 games. He led his team with 131 tackles. This was the third-highest in his conference and 12th in the nation. He earned second-team All-Conference USA honors.

In his senior year, Spillman played with shoulder and hand injuries. He still made 71 tackles, which was fourth on the team. He finished his college career with 319 tackles. This was the most tackles by any safety in Marshall University history.

Professional Football Journey

San Diego Chargers Experience

After the 2009 NFL draft, C. J. Spillman was not chosen by any team. However, the San Diego Chargers signed him as a free agent on April 27, 2009. He played for the Chargers until October 11, 2010. He was released because he had some difficulties playing on special teams.

San Francisco 49ers Highlights

C. J. Spillman - San Francisco vs Green Bay 2012
Spillman playing against the Packers in 2012

The San Francisco 49ers picked up Spillman on October 12, 2010. He quickly became a key player on the 49ers' special teams. He made 17 tackles in just 11 games. In 2011, he led the team with 19 special teams tackles.

On March 6, 2012, the 49ers signed him to a new three-year contract. At the end of the 2012 season, Spillman and the 49ers played in Super Bowl XLVII. He helped on defense, but the 49ers lost to the Baltimore Ravens 34–31.

In 2012 and 2013, Spillman mainly played in goal-line defense situations. He had a chance to become the starting free safety but did not get the position. In 2013, he again led the team with 19 special teams tackles. The 49ers released him on August 30, 2014.

Dallas Cowboys Contribution

On August 31, 2014, the Dallas Cowboys signed Spillman as a free agent. He started slowly but became a valuable player by the end of the season. He finished third on the team with 10 special teams tackles. He also played more on defense when backup safety Jeff Heath was injured.

In the playoffs, Spillman played even better. He made three tackles and forced two fumbles in two games. He was not re-signed by the Cowboys after the season ended.

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