Akeem Spence (born November 29, 1991) is an American football defensive tackle who is a free agent.
He was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL draft.
Rated as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, he accepted an athletic scholarship from the University of Illinois over offers from Iowa State and Syracuse.
After redshirting in 2009, he started all 13 games at defensive tackle alongside All-American Corey Liuget.
Spence announced on December 19, 2012 that he would forgo his senior season and enter the NFL Draft.
[2][3] On April 27, 2013, Spence was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round (100th overall pick) of the 2013 NFL draft.
[8] On March 10, 2017, Spence signed a three-year, $9 million contract with the Detroit Lions.
[9] He started 11 games during the 2017 season, recording 39 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble.
[31] His practice squad contract with the team expired after the season on January 29, 2023.
On January 14, 2014, Spence was arrested in Flomaton, Alabama on charges of misdemeanor marijuana possession.