Greg Spires Official Website

Height:  6-1

Weight: 265

Position: Defensive End

College:  Florida State University

Born:  August 12, 1974

 

Spires, a native of Cape Coral, Florida, continues to bring his strong work ethic and nose for the ball to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  He was third round selection (83rd) overall by the New England Patriots in the 1998 NFL Draft.  After spending three seasons with the Patriots, he was picked up by the Buccaneers prior to the 2002 season, where he has made his mark.  Greg helped contribute to the Buccaneers Super Bowl XXXVII 48-21 victory over the Oakland Raiders.  After spending six seasons with the Buccaneers, Greg was picked up by the Oakland Raiders in the 2007 offseason.  Spires first saw the spotlight on the football field for Mariner High School in Cape Coral.  He was a standout fullback and linebacker for the Fighting Tritons and averaged 11 tackles per game during his high school career.  Greg earned District Player of the Year and All-Region honors after rushing for over 900 yards as a senior.  Spires headed to Florida State after graduation and was a four-year starter (1994-1997) for the Seminoles.  He played linebacker, nose guard and defensive end during his time with FSU and collected a total of 115 tackles and 18 sacks.  As a senior, he was selected second-team All-ACC while totaling  32 tackles (17 solo), 10 sacks, 14 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.  Has one daughter, Leila, and has been nicknamed “The Crane” by his teammates for his inspiring defensive play. He spent time in October 2005 playing adapted sports with patients at Shriners Hospital for Children in North Tampa, participated in the Buccaneers 2002 College Graduate Poster that encourages area youth to stay in school and took part in the second annual “Bucs Easter Egg Hunt” in 2002, visiting and taking pictures with many of the nearly 4,000 child participants.