Position: Tight end College: San Diego State High school: El Modena (CA) | Weight: 240 lb (109 kg) Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) Name Jeff Spek | |
Date of birth: (1960-10-01) October 1, 1960 (age 55) | ||
Jeff Martin Spek (born October 1, 1960) is a former professional American football player who played tight end in the National Football League (NFL) for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and in the United States Football League (USFL) for the New Jersey Generals. He played college football at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
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Early years
Spek was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and played football at El Modena High School in Orange, California. He went on to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In 1981 as a junior, he registered 54 receptions for 895 yards, 13th in nation in total yards. After the season, a coaching change made him take the decision to transfer to San Diego State University, along with Jim Sandusky. He was a starter in his senior season.
New Jersey Generals (USFL)
Spek was selected by the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League in the 15th round (303rd overall) of the 1984 USFL Collegiate draft. He became a starter at tight end as a rookie and registered 49 receptions (team leader), 732 receiving yards (led the team) and 5 receiving touchdowns (led the team). His stats dropped the next year with rookie Doug Flutie as the new starter at quarterback (Brian Sipe was the previous starter).
Dallas Cowboys
After his success with the Generals, he was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round (81st overall) of the 1984 NFL Supplemental Draft of USFL and CFL Players. He signed a contract on August 12, 1986, to start playing in the NFL after the USFL folded. He was waived on August 26, before the start of the season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On October 25, 1986, Spek was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent. He played as a backup, after his professional career ended with a blown knee, while playing special teams against the Buffalo Bills. He was later placed on the injured reserve list.