Northern Illinois University Athletics

An outstanding running back with a nose for the end zone, Chad Spann ranks second in school history with 49 career rushing touchdowns and 10th with 2,916 rushing yards. His 5.44 yards per carry ranks sixth best in school history and he posted 10 100-yard rushing games during his Huskie career. 

Spann earned the first of his two First Team All-MAC honors as a junior in 2009 as he rushed for 1,038 yards and scored 19 touchdowns, tying the school record. Along with his one touchdown catch, Spann scored 120 points, second in the MAC and tied for 12th nationally, while leading the Huskies with 1,160 all-purpose yards.  

During his senior season in 2010, Spann helped the Huskies win 11 games, including the MAC West Division title and the Humanitarian Bowl. NIU reached the MAC Championship Game for just the second time in school history as Spann started all 14 games and ran for 1,388 yards, tops in the MAC and 20th-best in the nation, while recording a then school-record 22 rushing touchdowns. The Huskie running back won the Vern Smith Leadership Award while also collecting First Team All-MAC recognition. 

Following his time as a Huskie, Spann played in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, including playing in the 2011 playoffs with the Steelers. He also spent time with the Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets.