Stefanie Spielman, wife of NFL star, dies at 42

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The wife of former NFL and Ohio State star Chris Spielman has died after a lengthy battle with cancer.

WBNS radio in Columbus, where Chris Spielman co-hosts a show, says 42-year-old Stefanie Spielman died Thursday at the family's home in Upper Arlington.

Stefanie Spielman was 30 years old and three months pregnant in 1998 when she detected a lump in her breast. She later miscarried and discovered she had cancer.

Chris Spielman was playing linebacker with the Buffalo Bills when he 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.

The Spielmans became advocates for breast-cancer detection and research, winning several awards for their dedication to the cause.

Chris Spielman was a standout linebacker at Ohio State and a 10-year NFL veteran. He's currently a college football analyst at ESPN.