Career and work
Spellman entered the NFL with the Chicago Bears in 1992 and spent six seasons with the team. He later played two seasons for the Dallas Cowboys and finished his NFL career with the Detroit Lions in 2001. [2]
Across nine NFL seasons, Spellman appeared in 123 games, started 83 and recorded 43 sacks. [2]
What has been publicly discussed
- Spellman has publicly identified himself as having Bipolar I disorder. He said he was diagnosed after a psychiatric hospitalization in the late 1990s but initially rejected the diagnosis and continued to deny that it applied to him for a period afterward. [1]
- Spellman has described manic episodes in which his thoughts and speech became extremely rapid and his behavior frightened both himself and people around him. During a 1998 crisis, he threatened suicide, police were called, and he subsequently entered a psychiatric hospital for observation. [1]
- In 2002, while he had been off medication, Spellman experienced another manic episode. During a flight from Cincinnati to Philadelphia, he became verbally aggressive and made threatening statements to passengers and crew. After landing, he later damaged property at his brother’s home and was taken to a hospital. [3][1]
- Spellman has said that accepting the need for medication was a major part of learning to manage his bipolar disorder. After initially rejecting treatment, he took medication while playing for the Dallas Cowboys and later described stopping it before the 2002 episode. [1]
- During his subsequent federal prison sentence, taking his bipolar medication was mandatory. After his release, the terms of his probation required him to continue taking medication and see a psychiatrist twice a week. [1]
- By 2006, Spellman had returned to professional football after five years away and completed a season with the Arena Football League’s Las Vegas Gladiators. At the time, he said he had accepted the need to take medication every day. [1]
- Spellman has emphasized both the seriousness of bipolar disorder and personal responsibility in managing it. Looking back on his manic episodes, he stressed that people around him should expect him to follow treatment rather than simply feel sorry for him. [1]
- He has also described his goal as staying between the extremes of mania and depression, even if that means accepting a more routine life. [1]
“Make me stand up and do the things I am supposed to do. Just like the next person, don't be sorry for me one bit.”
— Alonzo Spellman [1]
Sources and other resourcesExpand to view the sources used in this profile and resources to learn more.
Sources used for this profile
The following sources contain information that supports the claims made on this page.
ESPN“Spellman returns to football after addressing disorder” Extensive interview-based profile covering his Bipolar I disorder, manic episodes, medication, hospitalization and later management.
NFLAlonzo Spellman Career Stats Official NFL career statistics.
ESPN“Spellman charged in rampage of brother’s home” Contemporary reporting on his 2002 crisis and hospitalization.
Learn more
Recommended books and other resources about Alonzo Spellman and their experiences.