Chad Spann
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Running Back Stats
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Career Summary
Chad Spann was a record-setting Northern Illinois running back who reached the NFL with Pittsburgh.
Chad Spann starred at Northern Illinois before entering the NFL as an undrafted running back. He joined Pittsburgh's active roster in 2012 and appeared in the AFC Wild Card Game.
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Early Life
Spann grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Northern Illinois listed Spann's hometown as Indianapolis, Indiana.
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High School
Spann earned all-state recognition at North Central High School.
Spann was a first-team all-state selection as a senior after second-team recognition as a junior.
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College Career
Spann totaled 2,916 rushing yards and 49 rushing touchdowns at Northern Illinois.
Spann ranks second in NIU history with 49 career rushing touchdowns and 10th with 2,916 rushing yards. In 2010, he rushed for 1,388 yards and a then-school-record 22 touchdowns.
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Path to the NFL
Spann entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie after Northern Illinois.
Pittsburgh identified Spann as an undrafted rookie free agent from Northern Illinois after he spent the 2011 preseason with Indianapolis and time on Tampa Bay's practice squad.
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NFL Career
Spann reached Pittsburgh's active roster for the 2011 playoffs.
Pittsburgh promoted Spann from its practice squad to the active roster in January 2012. The Steelers stated that he appeared on special teams in the AFC Wild Card Game at Denver.
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Career Accomplishments
Spann won the 2010 Vern Smith Leadership Award and MAC Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Spann won the 2010 Vern Smith Leadership Award as the MAC's most valuable player and was named MAC Offensive Player of the Year. NIU inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2022.
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Playing Style
Spann was a high-volume, touchdown-producing tailback for Northern Illinois.
Spann started all 14 games at tailback in 2010, led the MAC in rushing, and led the FBS with 22 rushing touchdowns.
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Legacy
Spann is a Northern Illinois Hall of Fame inductee.
Northern Illinois inducted Spann into its Hall of Fame in 2022, recognizing his place among the program's most productive running backs.
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23375, 00-0028656, 1988-08-04, Chad Spann, Chad, Spann
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