BUSINESS - Susan Tose Spencer, Trailblazing Former Philadelphia Eagles General Manager, Passes Away

Susan Tose Spencer

Groundbreaking sports executive, advocate, and entrepreneur to be inducted into the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in September

Tuesday April 1, 2025

PHILADELPHIA, PA USA -- (BUSINESS WIRE)

Susan Tose Spencer, an accomplished attorney, entrepreneur, and pioneering sports executive, has passed away at the age of 83. Spencer, who made history as the first and only female General Manager, legal counsel, and Vice President in NFL history, passed away at her home on March 24, 2025, surrounded by her family. Her extraordinary career and contributions to the fields of sports, business, and philanthropy have left a lasting impact that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Spencer was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. As the first and only female General Manager, legal counsel, and Vice President in NFL history, she shattered barriers in professional football, paving the way for future generations of women in sports. Under her leadership, the Philadelphia Eagles modernized financial and operational practices that have since become standard across professional sports franchises. She was a staunch advocate for hiring and promoting women in leadership roles, notably appointing the team's first female Chief Financial Officer.

Beyond her work in the NFL, Spencer was an accomplished entrepreneur, successfully leading businesses in industries traditionally dominated by men, including food distribution and meat processing. Her ventures, generating between $20 million and $50 million in annual revenues, served major national chains such as McDonald's, Chili's, and Dairy Queen.

A lifelong advocate for women in business, Spencer authored Briefcase Essentials: Discover Your 12 Natural Talents for Achieving Success in a Male-Dominated Workplace, offering guidance and inspiration to women seeking leadership roles. She also co-authored the Football Freddie and Fumble the Dog: GameDay in the USA children's book series with her daughter, Marnie Schneider, blending football, history, and education. Visit Marnie's website for more information on her work and legacy.

Her academic achievements included degrees from Boston University, Hofstra University, and Villanova University School of Law, where she won the prestigious Reimel Moot Court Competition. In recognition of her groundbreaking career and contributions to the sports industry, Spencer was recently notified of her upcoming induction into the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame this September.

Throughout her life, Susan Tose Spencer remained committed to leveling the playing field for women and underserved communities. She founded A Level Playing Field, a charity dedicated to helping high school students participate in sports, ensuring that every young athlete had the resources and opportunities they needed to succeed.

Susan's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, leaving behind her beloved daughter, Marnie, and her adoring grandchildren, Jonathan, Goldie, and Leo. She is also survived by her stepchildren, step-grandchildren, sister Nan Schwartz, nieces Carole and Michelle, and her beloved dogs, Irving, Cash, Mark, and Boom.

Susan's legacy extends far beyond her family, friends, and remarkable accomplishments. She was a woman of kindness, sharp wit, and an unshakable spirit, always standing up for what was right, always driven to make the world a better place.

A celebration of Susan's extraordinary life will be held in Philadelphia on September 18th after her enshrinement in the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Additional service details will be announced soon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to The Eagles Autism Challenge, The Brian Westbrook Foundation, or the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund.

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