Cj Spiller

Clifford “C.J.” Spiller Jr. was born on August 5, 1987, in Lake Butler, Florida. He attended Union County High School, where he excelled in both football and track and field. During his senior year, Spiller rushed for 1,840 yards and 30 touchdowns on 176 carries, in addition to 249 receiving yards on 15 receptions. His high school career concluded with an impressive 5,511 rushing yards on 541 carries. Spiller earned numerous high school honors, including being selected for the 2006 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, ranked as the No. 1 player in Florida by Rivals.com, and named a first-team Parade magazine All-American. He further demonstrated his athletic prowess by winning FHSAA Class 2A state titles in the 100 and 200 meters. Spiller’s remarkable high school achievements set the stage for a distinguished collegiate and professional career.

Spiller continued his football journey at Clemson University, playing for the Tigers from 2006 to 2009. His college career was marked by significant milestones, including being named a unanimous All-American and winning the ACC Player of the Year in 2009. He finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting that same year, solidifying his status as one of college football’s most dynamic players. Spiller still holds ACC single-season (2,680 yards in 2009) and career (7,588 yards) all-purpose yardage records, the latter being second-most in FBS history at the time of his graduation. With 21 career touchdowns covering at least 50 yards and an ACC-record eight kick returns for touchdowns, Spiller demonstrated remarkable versatility. He graduated from Clemson in December 2009, becoming the first in his family to earn a four-year college degree, and Clemson retired his No. 28 jersey in honor of his contributions.

Drafted ninth overall in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills, Spiller embarked on an eight-year professional career that included stints with the New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, and Kansas City Chiefs. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2012, a season where he rushed for 1,244 yards and six touchdowns on just 207 carries, achieving a career-high 6.0 yards per carry. Following his playing career, Spiller returned to Clemson University, first as an unpaid graduate intern in 2020, and then promoted to running backs coach in February 2021. In 2025, he was given the additional title of Offensive Run Game Coordinator. Spiller was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2021 and both the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame and South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020.