Spencer Tillman

Spencer Tillman is a successful sports broadcaster and noted football expert, former NFL player, author, journalist, businessman, churchgoer, and family man. Spencer has drawn millions of viewers each week to his college football shows. He has authored over 40 op-ed pieces for Wall Street Journal, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Houston Chronicle, and other dailies across the country; and has been publicized in dozens of similar publications including The London Times. In his long and varied career, the author has earned many accolades for his performances both on and off the football field. Spencer has forged an unusual life path by simultaneously developing careers in football and sports journalism. This path has provided him with a bounty of life experiences that are rich with leadership lessons and opportunities. His experiences and successes opened the door for Spencer to write Scoring In The Red Zone, which offers an effective situational leadership model.

Spencer’s football career began in 1982 when he was an all-American running back for the University of Oklahoma. During his stint with the Sooners, Spencer was awarded the UPI Player of the Year in the Big Eight Conference in 1982, Big Eight Football Newcomer of the Year in 1983, and most valuable player of the 1987 Orange Bowl. In addition, Spencer was a Heisman Trophy candidate 1983. He completed his career with the Sooners with 2,257 yards on 434 carriers, for an average of 5.2 yards per carry, ranking him 12th on the University of Oklahoma’s career rushing list.

During his final year of college, Spencer was drafted by the NFL’s Houston Oilers. During the seven-month off-season, Spencer worked for KPRC-TV as an anchor / reporter. After two seasons with the Oilers (1987-88), he joined the San Francisco 49ers, where he played for three years (1989-91) and served as a team captain in 1990 and helped to win the Super Bowl in 1989. Spencer returned to Houston in 1992, where he played the final two years of his football career, before retiring in 1994.

Seeking to continue his broadcasting career, Spencer became the sports anchor for WABC-TV New York from 1997 to 1999. He spent ten years as a sports anchor for KPRC-TV Houston, and anchored Fox Sports Net’s regional broadcasts. In 1999, Spencer joined CBS Sports as its lead studio analyst for College Football Today.

Spencer has bachelor degrees in journalism and communications. A highly sought-after speaker, he is also an active church member and gives presentations on behalf of Fellowship of Christian Athletes as well as other groups. His many media projects include the video NFL Fantasy Preview 2003-2004, co-hosted with Ron Jaworski. A devoted husband and father, Spencer lives in Texas with his wife and four daughters.