Stefanie Spielman, wife of ex-NFL linebacker Chris Spielman, dies after 12-year battle against Breast Cancer

Former Ohio St. Buckeye and NFL LB Chris Spielman's wife, Stefanie, died late Thursday after a 12 year battle against breast cancer. Stefanie and the Spielman family have been known for their efforts on raising money for breast cancer research, and rose more than $6 million at Ohio State, where she also had attended school, through the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research.

Many remember when Chris Spielman played linebacker with the Buffalo Bills and decided to give up football for a year to stay home with his wife and children. When his wife lost her hair because of chemotherapy treatments, he shaved his head.

Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel called Stefanie Spielman an inspiration.

"Stefanie has inspired the entire Buckeye nation and Columbus community with her courage and strength," Tressel said in a statement. "We will miss her and will always remember the lessons we learned from her. She will always be a special Buckeye."