Calvin Spears

Calvin Spears (born August 8, 1980) is an American former football defensive back. He played college football at Grambling State University, where he was a four-time All-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) selection, a two-time All-American, a two-time Black college football national champion, and a two-time SWAC javelin throwing champion. He was inducted into the Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame in 2025. After going undrafted in the 2002 NFL draft, Spears signed with the Cleveland Browns but was released before the start of the season. He then played in the Canadian Football League in 2002 and NFL Europe in 2003, helping the Frankfurt Galaxy win World Bowl XI. After a preseason stint with the New York Giants, Spears played in the Arena Football League (AFL) from 2004 to 2008 until the league folded.

Early life Calvin Spears was born on August 8, 1980, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Spears was initially recruited by McNeese State University to play college football as a quarterback. However, he decided to play for the Tigers of Grambling State University as a defensive back. The Tigers were named Black college football national champions in both 2000 and 2001. Spears finished his college career with 188 tackles, 44 pass breakups, 16 interceptions, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. Spears signed with the New York Giants of the NFL on June 24, 2003. He was later released on August 31, 2003. He played both offense and defense during his AFL career as the league played under ironman rules. He was placed on injured reserve on April 5, 2004, and activated on April 24. They lost in the quarterfinals of the playoffs to the Colorado Crush by margin of 47–44. After the season ended, Spears re-signed with New Orleans on July 7, 2004. The VooDoo suspended operations due to Hurricane Katrina.

Spears joined the Kansas City Brigade of the AFL for the 2006 season. He was placed on physically unable to perform on January 4, 2006, and was activated several days later on January 8, 2006. He appeared in 14 games during the 2006 season, recording 43 solo tackles, 24 assisted tackles, two interceptions, ten pass breakups, one fumble recovery, and 15 receptions for 152 yards and two touchdowns as the team finished 3–13. In 2006, Spears was interviewed about the Arena Football video game that was released that year. He noted that he did not make $59,000 like the game said he did. Spears finished the year with 88 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, seven interceptions for 58 yards and one touchdown, seven pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.

Personal life Spears is the son of NFL player Calvin Nicholas. His son Calvin Spears Jr. committed to play college football for the Navy Midshipmen, beginning in 2025.