Robert Spillane

American football player (born 1995)

For the American school administrator, see Robert R. Spillane.

American football player

Robert Spillane

Spillane with the Tennessee Titans in 2018

No. 14 – New England Patriots
Position:| Linebacker
Personal information
Born:|  (1995-12-14) December 14, 1995 (age 29)
Oak Park, Illinois, U.S.
Height:| 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:| 229 lb (104 kg)
Career information
High school:| Fenwick
(Oak Park, Illinois)
College:| Western Michigan (2014–2017)
Undrafted:| 2018
Career history

* Tennessee Titans (2018)
* Pittsburgh Steelers (2019–2022)
* Las Vegas Raiders (2023–2024)
* New England Patriots (2025–present)

Roster status:| Active
Career highlights and awards

* 2× Second-team All-MAC (2016, 2017)

Career NFL statistics as of Week 5, 2024
| Total tackles:| 393

|

Sacks:| 7.5
Forced fumbles:| 1
Fumble recoveries:| 2
Pass deflections:| 14
Interceptions:| 5
Defensive touchdowns:| 1
Stats at Pro Football Reference

John Robert Spillane (born December 14, 1995) is an American professional football linebacker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Western Michigan.

## Early life

[edit]

Spillane was born and grew up in Oak Park, Illinois and attended Fenwick High School. He played both running back and linebacker for the football team at Fenwick. He was rated a three-star recruit by several recruiting services and was originally recruited to play running back in college when he committed to play at Western Michigan.[1]

## College career

[edit]

Spillane played four seasons for the Western Michigan Broncos, appearing in 47 games (40 games). During his college career, Spillane accumulated 312 tackles (32.5 for loss), 10 sacks, four interceptions, five pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He was named second-team All-Mid American Conference (MAC) selection in his junior season after recording 111 tackles, including 10.5 for loss, three sack, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.[2] As a senior, Spillane was again named second-team All-MAC after compiling 88 tackles, 11 of which were for loss, 1.5 sacks and an interception, which he returned 35 yards for a touchdown.[3]

## Professional career

[edit]

Pre-draft measurables  Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

6 ft 1+1⁄4 in
(1.86 m)  | 229 lb
(104 kg)  | 32+1⁄2 in
(0.83 m)  | 9+1⁄4 in
(0.23 m) | 4.77 s | 1.73 s | 2.79 s | 4.40 s | 7.13 s | 32+1⁄2 in
(0.83 m) | 9 ft 2 in
(2.79 m) | 10 reps
All values from Western Michigan's Pro Day[4]

### Tennessee Titans

[edit]

Spillane signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent on May 14, 2018.[5] He was cut from the 53-man roster at the end of training camp and subsequently re-signed to the Titans practice squad on September 2.[6] Spillane was promoted to the Titans active roster on October 9, 2018.[7] He made his NFL debut on October 14 in a 21–0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.[8] Spillane was waived by the Titans on October 29, 2018.[9]

### Pittsburgh Steelers

[edit]

On February 8, 2019, Spillane was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers.[10] He was waived on August 31, 2019, and was signed to the practice squad the next day.[11][12] He was released on September 24, 2019, but re-signed on October 8.[13] He was promoted to the active roster on November 5.[14] Spillane finished the season with 11 tackles in eight games played.[15]

On October 18, 2020, against the Cleveland Browns, Steelers starting inside linebacker Devin Bush Jr. tore his ACL. Spillane replaced Bush and finished the game with 5 tackles. On October 20, Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin announced that Spillane would be the starter for the remainder of the season.[16] In Week 8 of the 2020 season, Spillane intercepted a pass from Baltimore Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson and returned it for a 33 yard touchdown during the 28–24 win. This was Spillane's first turnover and touchdown of his career and he also finished the game with a team-high 11 tackles and a fumble recovery.[17] In Week 10 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Spillane recorded his first career sack on rookie quarterback Joe Burrow during the 36–10 win.[18][19] He was placed on injured reserve on December 12, 2020.[20] He was activated from injured reserve on January 9, 2021.[21] In the 2020 season, Spillane finished with two sacks, 45 total tackles, one interception, and four passes defended.[22]

Spillane re-signed with the Steelers on a one-year contract on March 24, 2021.[23] In the 2021 season, Spillane finished with 56 total tackles in 14 games and four starts.[24] In the 2022 season, Spillane finished with one sack, 79 total tackles, and four passes defended in 16 games and five starts.[25]

On March 11, 2022, the Steelers placed a restricted free agent tender on Spillane.[26]

### Las Vegas Raiders

[edit]

On March 16, 2023, Spillane signed a two-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.[27] In Week 10, he recorded seven tackles, a sack, and an interception in a 16-12 win over the Jets, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[28]

### New England Patriots

[edit]

On March 13, 2025, Spillane signed a three-year, $33 million contract[29] with the New England Patriots.[30]

## Personal life

[edit]

Spillane is the grandson of 1953 Heisman Trophy winner, College Football Hall of Famer and NFL halfback Johnny Lattner.[31]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Drew, David (October 17, 2014). "WMU football freshman Robert Spillane a tough 'throwback' linebacker who finds inspiration from Heisman-winning grandpa". MLive.com. Retrieved August 20, 2019.
2. ^ Olsent, Corey (April 19, 2017). "Western Michigan linebacker Robert Spillane rejoins team after departure". MLive.com. Retrieved May 7, 2019.
3. ^ Nothaft, Patrick (May 15, 2018). "WMU LB Robert Spillane signs NFL free-agent deal with Tennessee Titans". MLive.com. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
4. ^ "Robert Spillane, DS #44 ILB, Western Michigan". draftscout.com. Retrieved November 10, 2018.
5. ^ Bacharach, Erik (August 29, 2018). "From rookie tryout to preseason standout, Robert Spillane in mix for spot on Titans roster". Nashville Tennessean. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
6. ^ Wyatt, Jim (September 2, 2018). "Titans Add Six To Practice Squad, Including LB Robert Spillane and RB Dalyn Dawkins". TitansOnline.com. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
7. ^ "Titans waive WR Williams after big drop against Buffalo". Washington Post. Associated Press. October 9, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
8. ^ "Titans-Ravens Game Notes". TitansOnline.com. October 14, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
9. ^ Wyatt, Jim (October 29, 2018). "Titans Bring Back Fullback Jalston Fowler". TitansOnline.com. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
10. ^ Chester, Simon (February 8, 2019). "Steelers sign LB Robert Spillane and RB Malik Williams to reserve/futures contracts". Behind The Steel Curtain. SB Nation. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
11. ^ "Steelers make roster cuts". Steelers.com. August 31, 2019. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
12. ^ "Steelers announce 2019 practice squad". Steelers.com. September 1, 2019.
13. ^ Comeau, Jonathan (September 24, 2019). "Steelers Signing TE Alize Mack To PS, Cut LB Robert Spillane". NFLTradeRumors.co. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
14. ^ Varley, Teresa (November 5, 2019). "Steelers place Gilbert III on IR; promote Spillane". Steelers.com. Retrieved November 5, 2019.
15. ^ "Steelers' Robert Spillane: Two tackles in finale". CBSSports.com. RotoWire. January 2, 2020. Retrieved January 13, 2020.
16. ^ Labriola, Bob (October 20, 2020). "Spillane to start in Bush's place". Steelers.com. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
17. ^ Gentille, Sean (November 1, 2020). "Five players who have the Steelers still undefeated and atop the AFC North". The Athletic. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
18. ^ Batko, Brian (November 15, 2020). "Steelers notebook: Joe Burrow welcomed to Pittsburgh 'the appropriate way'". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 16, 2020.
19. ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers - November 15th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
20. ^ Varley, Teresa (December 12, 2020). "Roster moves continue for the Steelers". Steelers.com. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
21. ^ Varley, Teresa (January 9, 2021). "Steelers make moves ahead of playoff game". Steelers.com. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
22. ^ "Robert Spillane 2020 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
23. ^ Varley, Teresa (March 24, 2021). "Spillane signed to a one-year contract". Steelers.com. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
24. ^ "Robert Spillane 2021 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
25. ^ "Robert Spillane 2022 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
26. ^ Strackbein, Noah (March 15, 2022). "Steelers Place Tenders on Two ILBs". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
27. ^ "Raiders sign LB Robert Spillane". Raiders.com. March 16, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
28. ^ Gordon, Grant (November 15, 2023). "Texans running back Devin Singletary, Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb highlight Players of the Week". NFL.com.
29. ^ Spotrac. "Robert Spillane | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
30. ^ "Patriots Make A Series of Roster Moves - March 13th, 2025". Patriots.com. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
31. ^ Wyatt, Jim (August 26, 2018). "Titans Rookie LB Robert Spillane is Ballin' – He became engaged to his girlfriend Shelby Hague in 2022". TitansOnline.com. Retrieved May 7, 2019.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Robert Spillane.

* Career statistics from NFL.com · ESPN · Yahoo Sports
* New England Patriots bio
* Western Michigan Broncos bio

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