Spielman spent eight seasons (1988-1994) as the heart and soul of the Lions defense. He racked up 1,138 tackles, becoming the all-time Lions leader in tackles, while garnering four pro-bowl nods.

As Spielman began to read through the teleprompter, it soon became clear that the legend he was reading about was himself -- and that he was to be inducted into the Pride of the Lions, the team's ...