Harry E. Speelman (October 4, 1916 – April 1, 1983) was an American football player. He played college football for Michigan State University and professional football for the Detroit Lions.

Harry Speelman
Personal information
Born:October 4, 1916
Detroit, Michigan
Died:April 1, 1983 (age 66)
Pigeon, Michigan
Height:5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:220 lb (100 kg)
Career information
High school:Central
College:Michigan State University
Position:Guard
Career history
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early years

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Speelman was born in Detroit in 1916. He attended Central High School in Lansing, Michigan.[1]

Michigan State

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He played college football for Michigan State College (later known as Michigan State University) from 1935 to 1937. He was captain of the 1937 Michigan State Spartans football team that lost to Auburn in the 1938 Orange Bowl.[2][3]

Professional football

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After graduating from Michigan State, Speelman was a coach at Redford Union High School. In August 1940, he signed with the Detroit Lions of National Football League.[4] He appeared in three games as a guard for the Lions in 1940.[5][1] He also played as a guard and tackle for the Jersey City Giants in 1951. He appeared in 10 games, seven as a starter, for the Giants.[1]

Later years

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In 1943, he was hired as the football coach at St. Gregory High School in Detroit.[6] He later worked as the director off attendance for the Detroit public school. He moved to Pigeon, Michigan, in 1977 and died there in 1983.[7]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Harry Speelman". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved June 25, 2022.[permanent dead link]
  2. ^ "Harry Speelman Is Second Central Grad to Win Award". Lansing State Journal. December 12, 1937. p. 21 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "Leads Bowl Team". The Salem News. December 10, 1937. p. 10.
  4. ^ "Harry Speelman Signs Contract". Lansing State Journal. August 13, 1940. p. 11 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ "Harry Speelman". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
  6. ^ "New Coach". The News-Palladium. August 31, 1943. p. 6.
  7. ^ "Harry Speelman, ex-school official". Detroit Free Press. April 8, 1983. p. 8E – via Newspapers.com.