Former Steelers LB Robert Spillane reveals wife's pregnancy after game-winning INT
The Las Vegas Raiders clinched their fifth victory of the 2023 season on Sunday night against the New York Jets with a fourth-quarter interception by linebacker Robert Spillane. After the win, Spillane had a post-game interview to remember as he took the ball he intercepted, placed it under his jersey, and announced that he and his wife, Shelby, are welcoming their first child in June of 2024.
Spillane, a newcomer to the Las Vegas Raiders this season from the Pittsburgh Steelers, has three interceptions on the year – which is a career-high. With the Jets trailing 16-12 in the fourth quarter, the former Western Michigan standout picked off a pass from Jets QB Zach Wilson that was intended for Allen Lazard. Though New York got the ball back with 52 seconds remaining, a Hail Mary attempt wasn’t enough to put the Jets over the top.
“My wife is actually pregnant, so we get to tell the world tonight that my beautiful wife will have our first baby here in June so, I’m looking forward to it,” Spillane said.
In his post-game locker room interview, the former undrafted free agent opened up about making the play of the game in his first year in Vegas. He signed with the Raiders in March on a two-year deal worth $7 million, with $4 million in guaranteed money.
“It’s a dream come true. I pour my heart into this, football, so to help my team win, it’s a blessing,” Spillane said.
Spillane making impact in Year 1 with Las Vegas
Last season for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Spillane had a career-high 79 tackles with one sack and 7.5 tackles for loss. He has already surpassed his tackles total in 10 games this year. He now has 81 tackles, 2.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, three interceptions and five tackles for loss this season.
Spillane, 27, and his wife wed in the offseason after a year-long engagement. He is in his sixth season in the NFL. He started his career by signing a contract with the Tennessee Titans. However, that stint was short-lived as he moved on and off the active roster in 2018.
In 2019, he joined the Steelers via a futures/reserve deal. He earned under half a million until the 2020 season when he played for roughly $616,000. Spillane earned his first deal over a million in 2022, inking for $2.43 million with the Steelers.