Athletes - Will Witherspoon

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	Athletes - Will Witherspoon

William Cordell Witherspoon (born August 19, 1980 in San Antonio, Texas) is an American football linebacker for the St.Louis Rams of the NFL. He is affectionately referred to by fans as Spoon.

Personal life & high school career

Witherspoon's father was a military officer, and so Witherspoon moved around as a child. However, his family never lived on the military bases, instead deciding to live in the community so the children could experience the culture. In addition to speaking English, he is fluent in German, and is learning both Arabic and Swedish. He played defensive end on his high school team in Panama City, Florida, but switched to linebacker before his senior year. He was chosen as the USA Today Florida Player of the Year for his efforts as a senior, where he posted 112 tackles, 3 sacks, and three interceptions.

College career

He attended the University of Georgia, where he was a starter for three years. After playing every game as a true freshman, he started most of the Bulldogs' games for the remainder of his time at Georgia, switching between the middle, strong-side, and weak-side linebacker positions. He graduated with 211 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

Pro career

Witherspoon was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. Witherspoon was the latest addition to new coach John Fox's overhaul of the defense, and Witherspoon's versatility at linebacker helped the Panthers total the second-best defense in the league. He replaced Dan Morgan at middle linebacker halfway through the season after Morgan went down with injury. During the 2003 NFL season, Witherspoon was the only Panther linebacker to start every game, where he once again filled in for an injured Morgan at middle linebacker. He intercepted his first pass off New Orleans Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks. During Super Bowl XXXVIII, Witherspoon posted a career-high 16 tackles. The following year, "Spoonie" was one of the few defensive players to start every game for the Panthers, who were wracked with injuries. Despite the loss of key personnel like defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, the Panthers led the league in interceptions. Witherspoon set personal bests with three sacks and four interceptions. As of the 2005 NFL season, Witherspoon is currently ranked third on the team in tackles (behind Marlon McCree and Morgan), and has two interceptions, bringing his career total to seven.On March 12, 2006 he signed with the St.Louis Rams.

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Athletes - Will Witherspoon

Personal life & high school career

College career

Pro career

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