Anthony Spencer | Former NFL Linebacker

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Anthony

American Football

Full Name: Anthony James Merrill Spencer

Born: Fort Wayne, IN

Nicknames: La Pulga

College: Purdue

Position: Defensive End

Height/Weight: 1.91 m / 117 kg

Draft Info: 2007: Rd 1, Pk 26 (DAL)

Teams

Dallas Cowboys Dallas Cowboys

Anthony Spencer, a former Dallas Cowboys linebacker (2007–2014), was known for his pass-rushing power, versatility, and Pro Bowl-worthy defensive impact.

Anthony Spencer is a former American football linebacker who played his entire NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys from 2007 to 2014. Born on January 23, 1984, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Spencer starred at Purdue University, where he earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and established himself as one of the most dominant defensive ends in college football. Selected by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft, he quickly became known for his strength, versatility, and ability to pressure quarterbacks. His breakout season came in 2012 when he recorded a career-high 11 sacks and earned his first Pro Bowl selection, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the Cowboys’ defense. Despite injuries limiting parts of his career, Spencer left a lasting impact with his relentless motor, fumble recoveries, and clutch performances, cementing his place as one of Dallas’s most dependable defenders of his era.