Chris Spencer (American football)

Christopher Clark Spencer (born March 28, 1982) is an American football center for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was selected with the 26th overall pick in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Mississippi by the Seattle Seahawks.

Early years
Spencer was part of the nationally ranked and undefeated Madison Central High School in Madison, Mississippi football team in 2000, which contained 5 current NFL players. After his prep career, he was one of the most highly-touted offensive line recruits in the Southeast. His home ties led him to choose the University of Mississippi, where he played alongside Madison Central teammates Doug Buckles and Mike Espy (of the Washington Redskins). During the 2003 season, the Ole Miss Rebels had an impressive campaign, winning 10 games concluded with a Cotton Bowl Classic victory over Oklahoma State.

2005 NFL Draft
Spencer was considered one of the best centers available in the 2005 NFL Draft, along with Jason Brown. He was projected a late second round pick, and was eventually selected 26th overall in the first round.

Seattle Seahawks
In his first season with the Seattle Seahawks, he played 7 games. In the 2006 season, he played in all 16 games for Seattle, starting 13 of them, most at the guard position, next to longtime Seattle center Robbie Tobeck. Spencer succeeded Tobeck as starting center for the 2007 season, as Tobeck had retired at the end of 2006.

Chicago Bears
On July 31, 2011, he was signed by the Chicago Bears to replace the outgoing Olin Kreutz. During the 2011 season, Spencer alternated between center and guard with Roberto Garza. In Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers, Spencer subbed for Lance Louis, but would himself go out of the game with a hand injury.

On November 22, 2012, Spencer was named as the Bears starting guard after Chilo Rachal was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list.

Personal
In 2006 he married Coastal Carolina Elite volleyball player Katherine Jensen.