Chris Spielman was a high school and Ohio State football legend and a four-time Pro Bowl linebacker, but he didn't tackle his toughest opponent until his playing career was almost over. In 1998 his wife Stefanie was diagnosed with breast cancer, and so began an 11-year journey that brought joy and suffering to the Spielmans, as well as hope and inspiration to thousands of others. In That's Why I'm Here, Spielman traces his storied career, recalls his courtship of Stefanie Belcher, cherishes the growth of their four children and invokes the deep spiritual faith that gave their family wisdom and comfort in times of struggle. Though there are plenty of on-the-field tales in the book, it's not just for football fans. It's for people whose lives have been touched by cancer, for people whose own faith has wavered, for people who want to meet a woman of tremendous beauty, grace and strength. Though Stefanie passed away on Nov. 19, 2009, her memory and inspiration live on. With laughter and tears, joy and heartbreak, this book lets you know her spirit is still here.
That's Why I'm Here: The Chris and Stefanie Spielman Story
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About the Author
Chris Spielman, who was the first high school athlete to appear on a Wheaties box, became a two-time All-American for the Ohio State Buckeyes and remains one of the most popular players in school history. He went on to play eight seasons for the Detroit Lions in the NFL, earning a Pro-Bowl selection four times. When his wife Stefanie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998, Chris took a year off to be with her, and the two later created the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research. He currently hosts a daily sports radio show in Columbus, Ohio, and is well known as a college football analyst for ESPN.
Bruce Hooley lives in Plain City, Ohio, with his wife, Sheri, and their daughters, Katie, Rachel, and Lexee. He and Chris have been friends since 2004 and work together at ESPN.
Bruce Hooley lives in Plain City, Ohio, with his wife, Sheri, and their daughters, Katie, Rachel, and Lexee. He and Chris have been friends since 2004 and work together at ESPN.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
26 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I had just moved to Columbus, Ohio and was volunteering with Stefanie at the Children's Hospital shortly before she was diagnosed. I had no idea who Chris Spielman was and Stefanie was someone who welcomed me into the area. The thing that was so impacting about this family is how real and genuine they are. Chris and Stefanie always stood firm that their faith, their relationship, their family and their servant's heart kept them going. I've never known another family that was such an example as they were during Stef's illness and continue to be today.
I'm not much of a football fan but reading about Chris during those years was quite entertaining but also, you now know why he is the way he is and tackles everything with such determination.
It's a love story that breaks your heart because of the ending. Their relationship is exactly what every parents wants for their children.
It's a book about determination, strength, the will to live, and live life to the fullest. I don't know of many people that could take this terrible disease and do what Chris and Stefanie did AND maintain a new normal for their children.
While I was reading this, I kept thinking that every high school, college and professional football player should read this. Copies of this book should be in every locker room! Then I thought, everyone should read this book! This is truly a book that everyone should read.
I remember when our oldest daughter (now 20) was about 9 or 10 and we were talking about Stef one night before bed and she said to me, "Mom, I think Mrs. Spielman is an angel and was put here on this earth to help others and when her job is done, she will return to heaven" She was right.
Sharon van der Walde
I'm not much of a football fan but reading about Chris during those years was quite entertaining but also, you now know why he is the way he is and tackles everything with such determination.
It's a love story that breaks your heart because of the ending. Their relationship is exactly what every parents wants for their children.
It's a book about determination, strength, the will to live, and live life to the fullest. I don't know of many people that could take this terrible disease and do what Chris and Stefanie did AND maintain a new normal for their children.
While I was reading this, I kept thinking that every high school, college and professional football player should read this. Copies of this book should be in every locker room! Then I thought, everyone should read this book! This is truly a book that everyone should read.
I remember when our oldest daughter (now 20) was about 9 or 10 and we were talking about Stef one night before bed and she said to me, "Mom, I think Mrs. Spielman is an angel and was put here on this earth to help others and when her job is done, she will return to heaven" She was right.
Sharon van der Walde
21 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
What a powerful moving story of an NFL football player and his journey with his wife Steph and her cancer. What an inspiration!
I thought it would be a lot of football talk. Well there is! But it is fascinating and it goes somewhere and also explains how Chris dealt with Steph's cancer the way he did.
Grab a box or two of kleenex you will need it. We all already know the story, so we know it won't end in a fairytale. But we see that Chris has soldiered on. From dealing with Steph's dad dying, that helped Chris a bit. Their families both were solid support and I believe that was vital in their story. As well as other families.
Since Steph was already in the spotlight, she used her illness to help others, inspire others and be a blessing. Her faith shined through, even in this book.
Hopefully others will read this book, maybe in the midst of their own storm similiar to this one, and be inspired and help them through their tough times as well. Leaning on God, is the greatest thing Chris and Steph did.
God bless them and the kids and families.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I thought it would be a lot of football talk. Well there is! But it is fascinating and it goes somewhere and also explains how Chris dealt with Steph's cancer the way he did.
Grab a box or two of kleenex you will need it. We all already know the story, so we know it won't end in a fairytale. But we see that Chris has soldiered on. From dealing with Steph's dad dying, that helped Chris a bit. Their families both were solid support and I believe that was vital in their story. As well as other families.
Since Steph was already in the spotlight, she used her illness to help others, inspire others and be a blessing. Her faith shined through, even in this book.
Hopefully others will read this book, maybe in the midst of their own storm similiar to this one, and be inspired and help them through their tough times as well. Leaning on God, is the greatest thing Chris and Steph did.
God bless them and the kids and families.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
A football book? Sure. A cancer book? Sure.
A love story? Absolutely.
I read this entire book in an evening; despite knowing how it ended, I couldn't put it down. I laughed out loud, read excerpts to my husband, cried, sobbed and smiled. This story represents Chris Spielman's passion for football, his passion for his family and his unending love for his wife. He is blunt. He readily admits his faults. He did everything he could do for his wife. From his perspective, the reader can really feel what he was going through in his quest to become a professional football player and as a "cancer husband."
A must read.
A love story? Absolutely.
I read this entire book in an evening; despite knowing how it ended, I couldn't put it down. I laughed out loud, read excerpts to my husband, cried, sobbed and smiled. This story represents Chris Spielman's passion for football, his passion for his family and his unending love for his wife. He is blunt. He readily admits his faults. He did everything he could do for his wife. From his perspective, the reader can really feel what he was going through in his quest to become a professional football player and as a "cancer husband."
A must read.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this book!
Very good read, I recommend it to everyone. Chris shared a lot of inspirational stories. God Bless them all. Thx!
Published 7 days ago by Doris A Cunningham
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Inspirational
Great story of love, devotion and spirit-filled living in the face of tragedy. Also plenty of football stories to balance it out!
Published 1 month ago by Chris Murphy
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must Read...
As I started to read, I could hear Stephanie & Chris's voice in each word. Being a part of the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer family, (this is a fund raiser, 2,200 people strong, for... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Kim Bauer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Inspiring
This is not just a football book. This is a story that is told by a great football player about the love for his wife and her battle with cancer. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Larry P
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must Read
Whether you are a breast cancer patient or survivor, a relative of one, a football player, or just want an excellent, inspiring true story about what really matters in this life, I... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Karen L. Strawser
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it
Amazing story. Once I got passed the football stuff, I loved it. Great message of faith and family. God bless this man and his kids who now must soldier on without their wife and... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Laceleigh5
3.0 out of 5 stars
Sad but ultimately uplifting story
Quite a good read. Their story as told by Chris is a little heavy on the football analogies but nonetheless a good book.
Published 2 months ago by Linda C.
5.0 out of 5 stars
No doom and gloom
Having been recently diagnosed with melanoma metastases to the lungs, I found the book motivational and encouraging. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Connie Isakson
5.0 out of 5 stars
amazing
This is the most amazing and inspiring story of hope,perseverance ,faith and mostly true love. I now believe in soul mates. I thank Chris for sharing his and Stephanie' s story.
Published 3 months ago by laura storey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
Chris was a close firend of mine in college and I know the story well but the book was absoulely amazing. We miss you Steph!
Published 3 months ago by Robert P. Clawson
