“A lot of people don’t quit because I haven’t quit” said Linebacker Jerimiah Spicer in an interview Tuesday. Truly a statement to his competitive attitude, drive, and ability on the field, Spicer’s determination has stood the test of time.
Who is Jerimiah Spicer?
Jerimiah Spicer grew up in the streets of Los Angeles California. Spending his childhood in and out of foster care, the deck was stacked against him. After getting taken away from his mother because of drugs, Spicer was under the care of his grandmother. Eventually, he was taken from his grandmother too, inevitably being placed into the foster care system. “I went to eight different high schools in the process, and my grandma and mom ended up passing, I’ve been on my grind ever since.” Spicer says.
Jerimiah’s love for the game of football came at a young age. He played for the Pop Warner team Moreno Valley Cougars at the age of 11 years old. Growing up in the system can take its toll on a child, from fighting to bad decisions, not everyone has the motivation, or the will to make it out on top. At first, his grandmother wouldn’t let him play football, she had him signed up to swim instead. Jerimiah took matters into his own hands. “I went and asked my social worker, my social worker ended up helping my grandma because we didn’t have the money. The rest is history” he says laughing.
Jerimiah was asked during the interview what he loves about the game of football. “I used to have a lot of anger, and I would get in fights a lot, when I started playing football that was a place to get my anger out without getting into trouble” He stated. Searching for a healthy alternative to the life he was being forced into, Jerimiah Spicer used football as his way out.
Shot at the Pro’s
Spicer worked hard on and off the field growing up. He finished high school with a 3.9 GP and went on to play for Riverside City College in Riverside California. This was a small school, that did not generate a lot of interest from professional scouts. However, his competitiveness and inability to quit on the game he loved, Spicer earned visits to three different NFL teams. He has visited with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Los Angeles Rams, and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Jerimiah was able to secure a tryout with the Chargers through talking with former Chargers Head Coach Anthony Lynn. Two people were able to leave a lasting impression on the linebacker, Anthony Lynn, and Denzel Perryman. “I stood by him (Perryman) the most, I got a lot of knowledge from him just being there.” Spicer made the linebacker list with the Chargers, but immediately after was drafted by the XFL.
Jerimiah Spicer has spent multiple seasons in multiple different leagues. Most notably after being waived by the Los Angeles Wildcats, Spicer entered the Arena Football League. He did his part on defense during his first year in the league, leading the league in tackles and earning All-League honors in his first season.
The interview ended with one last question, for a statement to all the professional football General Managers. “If you want to go to the playoffs, and you want to win Championships, I’m your guy. Ask Coach Pepper Johnson, even ask Norm Chow about Jerimiah Spicer, he’ll tell you what kind of player I am. I can play outside linebacker, middle, linebacker, defensive end, wherever coach needs me that’s where I’m going to go and that makes me an asset. I’m ready to go.”
What’s Next?
Spicer is continuing to study film, train, and workout in preparation for the upcoming 2023 XFL draft. A competitive player that will do everything he can to help his team to win. The whole world should keep their eyes on this player whose determination will carry him to great things.
Check out the full interview on my YouTube channel : Get to Know XFL Prospect, Linebacker Jerimiah Spicer