| Number/ Position: #93, Outside Linebacker
Birthday: 01/23/1984
College: Purdue
Height: 6-3
Weight: 256
Acquired by Dallas: 1st round pick (#26 overall) in 2007
Seasons in the NFL: 3
Outside linebacker Anthony Spencer’s strong finish to the 2009 season garnered accolades including NFC Defensive Player of the Week for the final week of the regular season and numerous All Pro mentions including one by Peter King of Sports Illustrated who listed Spencer and teammate DeMarcus Ware as his two All Pro linebackers. The Cowboys defense recorded two shutouts to close the 2009 regular season and claim the NFC East crown. In its final 4 games, the defense allowed only 27 points. That included games against high-octane offenses like the Saints, Eagles and Chargers. During that final stretch, Spencer came on strong with 4 sacks (2 of the Eagles’ Donovan McNabb, 1 ½ of the Saints’ Drew Brees, ½ of Skins’ Jason Campbell) as well as 25 tackles, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, 9 quarterback hurries, and a pass breakup. Spencer was fulfilling the promise shown as the Cowboys 1st round draft pick (#26 overall) out of Purdue in 2007. Spencer was a college defensive end who made the transition to NFL linebacker. During his first two seasons, he backed-up veteran Greg Ellis at strongside outside linebacker. But in 2009, with Ellis a member of the Raiders, Spencer became the full-time starter for the first time in his career. He responded with career-highs in tackles (98), sacks (6), and quarterback pressures (36). He also led the team with a career-high 8 tackles-for-losses. Spencer also recorded an interception, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 forced fumbles, and 8 pass breakups. “Whenever I get out there, I have a lot of confidence in myself,” said Spencer. “When you come in, you want to work hard and try to make the team. But you’re learning the position and making mistakes. I knew I had to stop making mistakes. I expected more of myself. I’ve been in this defense so I know what’s expected of me.
”I have a couple of goals that I set for myself before the season, but you’re also working on the fundamentals. I feel more comfortable now. If I make a mistake, I have time to get back where I’m supposed to be. It’s easier because I’ve been starting for a whole year.” Teammates and coaches knew that it was just a matter of time before Spencer reached his full potential. Although he didn’t have a sack through the first 10 games of the 2009 season, he was oh-so-close to the quarterback numerous times, and was playing excellent run defense. "Spencer was a great raw player, but now he's figuring out what the offense is doing and figured out exactly where he fits in the defense,” says linebacker DeMarcus Ware. “He's making a lot of plays now.” COLLEGE: Spencer started 36 or 47 career games at Purdue and finished #5 on the Boilermakers’ all time sack list with 21 and #7 with 44 tackles-for-loss. His 11 forced fumbles is #2 in school history. A defensive co-captain as a senior, he earned 1st team All-American honors from The NFL Draft Report and 2nd team honor from Rivals.com. He was a finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award which is given to college football’s top defensive end. He was also a quarterfinalist for the Lott Trophy which is given to the defensive impact player of the year.
Spencer majored in African-American studies and minored in law society at Purdue. PERSONAL: Spencer is a native of Fort Wayne, Indiana and was a member of the state champion Bishop Luers High School team. He was a three-year starter at nose guard and fullback and was a two time all-state selection. He also was the Indianapolis Star’s Defensive Lineman of the Year during his senior year. He also lettered twice in basketball. | 
