Richard Spielman was born on December 2, 1962. He is an American football executive. He is currently the general manager of the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL).
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He assumed the position of general manager in 2012 after serving as the team’s Vice President of player personnel since May 30, 2006. Before joining the Minnesota Vikings, Spielman worked for ESPN on NFL Live as an analyst.
Spielman used to play as a linebacker at Southern Illinois from 1983 to 1986. He earned 1st Team All Gateway Conference honoree as a junior. He was also a redshirt freshman when he was part of the 1983 NCAA Division I-AA national championship team.
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When he entered the National Football League, he was an undrafted free agent. So he was invited to training camp with the San Diego Chargers in 1987 and the Detroit Lions in 1988, however, he never made it as a professional football player.
Spielman has managed six drafts in the Minnesota Vikings. The most notable draftees include Sidney Rice and Adrian Peterson in 2007, Tyrell Johnson and John Sullivan in 2008, Percy Harvin and Phil Loadholt.
He drafted Chris Cook and Toby Gerhart in 2010, Christian Ponder and Kyle Rudolph in 2011. In 2012, he drafted Matt Kalil, Blair Walsh and Harrison Smith. Speilman is also known for the offseason move made by the Vikings in 2008.