[3] Spears began his collegiate career with East Los Angeles Junior College, playing for them from 1977 to 1978 while being a lineman in football.
[4][6][7] The Daily Times-Advocate noted that he played "brilliantly" late-season and Spears finished the year having totaled 14 tackles, 15 assists, four sacks, two fumble recoveries and one interception.
[8] Spears played his final season at San Diego State in 1980, lettering, and was regarded as one of the two-best players at his position on the team.
[1] He impressed the team in training camp entering the 1983 season, but his play declined significantly in preseason and although he made the initial roster, he was released after starting just the opener against the Baltimore Colts.
[15][16] Shortly after being released by New England, Spears signed with the Green Bay Packers as a replacement for the injured Greg Boyd.