C. J. Spillman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
C. J. Spillman

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
San Diego Chargers (2009–2010) San Francisco 49ers (2010–2013) Dallas Cowboys (2014)
Career highlights and awards
2× second-team All-C-USA (2007, 2008)
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 professional football player. He played as a safety and on special teams in the National Football League (NFL). He started his NFL journey with the San Diego Chargers in 2009. Before that, 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 was a talented player. He played both running back and defensive back.

He was chosen for all-state and all-conference teams in his last two years. This means he was one of the best players in his state and league. He also played track and field for three years.

College Football Journey

Spillman played college football at Marshall University. In his second year, he became a starter at free safety. He made 79 tackles, which was third-best on his team.

The next year, he led his team with 131 tackles. This was very impressive, ranking him third in his conference. He earned second-team All-Conference USA honors. In his final year, he played with some injuries. Still, he recorded 71 tackles. He finished his college career with 319 tackles. This was the most tackles by any safety in Marshall University's history.

Playing in the NFL

San Diego Chargers

After college, C. J. Spillman was not chosen in the 2009 NFL draft. However, the San Diego Chargers signed him as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2009. He played for the Chargers until October 2010. He was let go after having some difficulties on special teams.

San Francisco 49ers

Spillman 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.

In March 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. This is the championship game of the NFL. The 49ers lost a close game to the Baltimore Ravens, 34–31.

Spillman continued to be a strong special teams player. In 2013, he again led the team with 19 special teams tackles. He was released by the 49ers in August 2014.

Dallas Cowboys

On August 31, 2014, the Dallas Cowboys signed C. J. Spillman. He became a valuable player for the Cowboys. He finished third on the team with 10 special teams tackles. He also played more on defense when another safety was injured.

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

Beyond the Field

C. J. Spillman has two sisters, named Cherisse and Claudia. His mother, Carrie, worked for AT&T for 33 years before retiring. His father, Claude Spillman Sr., was a retired Louisville Police Officer. His father also played football at Western Kentucky University.

C. J. Spillman has a nephew, Deiondre Coleman. Deiondre also played football for Marshall University. He later transferred to Eastern Kentucky University. C. J. Spillman keeps his offseason home in San Diego.