Profiles: Blake Spence ’97

Blake Spence '97 spent his college years on some of the most memorable Duck Football teams including the 1995 Rose Bowl, 1996 Cotton Bowl and the 1997 Las Vegas Bowl teams. Individually, he is listed in the record books with multiple 100-yard receiving games (214 yards vs. Utah, and 127 yards vs. Fresno St., both in 1997 and 104 yards vs. Washington Sate in 1996).

After graduating with his degree in History in 1997, Spence was drafted by the New York Jets to play tight end. His career would also lead him to Florida where he played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

A California native, Spence chose to return to the Northwest when his playing days were over. Currently he lives in Portland where he is a fitness instructor and personal trainer at the Core Pilates Studio in the Pearl District and Adapt in Beaverton.

What is your biggest accomplishment since college?

I went to the NFL right out of college and went to New York and played there for two years and went on to Tampa Bay. On society's scale, that is a big accomplishment. On a personal scale, my greatest accomplishment is learning how to accept help. I realize we are all here to help each other and that it’s okay to reach out.

How has the UO had an impact on your life?

I’m still very attached and active with UO. I go to most of the home games and it’s always been a very good network. I have great friends. I still have some of my best friends from my football experience there.

My university experience also opened my eyes to new perspectives in life. Going to college is about stepping out of the house you grew up in. I’m thankful I had the chance to see the melting pot that Eugene seems to be. It opens your eyes to new ideas and cultures.

Do you or did you have a mentor- someone that has helped you in your career or made a significant impact in the early years of your career?

Coach Radcliffe (Jim Radcliffe) was my strength and conditioning coach. Even today when I am training, I utilize things I learned from him. He’s just a true professional and a great teacher. He has great wisdom and he has his work down to a science.

Another person that had a great influence on me was my counseling psychology teacher. She had a class where you developed your interview skills and prepared for the job force. She was really good with her students. Although I only had one class with her, I know she was really intuitive. She could see what the students needs were. She did the extra things that make you a great teacher. She always went the extra step.

What part of college made a significant difference in your life, made you who you are?

College was my time to explore and experience diversity. I found that I love differences. Everything functions better with diversity. College gave me perspective. It opened me up to so many new ideas and people.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

That would put me at age 42. I could see myself being in mentorship roles for athletes or students in any arena. I can see myself as a teacher or mentor conveying the lessons I’ve learned in my life. I really enjoy trying to help others.

If you could be any color crayon (think box of 64, not just the 8 primary colors) what color would you be and why?

I’d be silver, like a silver surfer. It is a very cool color and solid at the same time. It’s fast, sleek and could be malleable.

Why is your continued connection to the UO and the UOAA important to you?

The UO is just an incredible university. The longer I’ve been alive I’ve seen great change. It continues to become a better and better school and Alumni who have given their time are a big part of that. It's great to know that you will always have that connection with fellow alum. I always like to keep in contact with old friends.

This profile is going to be posted on uoalumni.com. Is there anything else you would like readers and fellow alumni to know?

Be good to yourself. Embrace those around you.