Robert Spillane

BIOGRAPHY

Robert Spillane was born on December 14th, 1995 in Oak Park, Illinois. He is a linebacker in the National Football League.

Spillane began his career playing prep football at Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois. 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.

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. 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.

Spillane signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent on May 14, 2018. On February 8, 2019, Spillane was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was waived on August 31, 2019 and was signed to the practice squad the next day. He was released on September 24, 2019, but re-signed on October 8. He was promoted to the active roster on November 5. Spillane finished the season with 11 tackles in eight games played.

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. 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. In Week 10 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Spillane recorded his first career sack on rookie quarterback Joe Burrow during the 36–10 win. He was placed on injured reserve on December 12, 2020. He was activated from injured reserve on January 9, 2021.[21]

Spillane re-signed with the Steelers on a one-year contract on March 24, 2021. Spillane signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023.