Poughkeepsie honors former NFL player, PHS grad Charles Spencer Jr.

Charles Spencer Jr. didn’t make it five steps onto Poughkeepsie High School’s football field before seeing a familiar face.
One hug soon became two, with handshakes and pats on the back coming from other smiling faces.
“Big Junie,” as he’s affectionately known around the Queen City, received a hero’s welcome Friday night before he was honored with a jersey retirement ceremony at halftime of Poughkeepsie’s football season opener against Hyde Park.Spencer, a third-round NFL draft pick who played left tackle for the Houston Texans in 2006, spent time with the Pioneers team and stood with them on the sideline through the first half, offering advice to some of the players.
Deputy Superintendent of Schools Da’Ron Wilson led the ceremony.
“This is more than a recognition of his athletic achievements, this is a celebration of a legacy, community pride and lasting impact,” Wilson said, before handing the microphone to the man of the hour, who had been joined on the field by a large group of family.
“Poughkeepsie, I’m so glad to be home,” Spencer said. “It’s such a blessing to see all my family here.”
A 2000 Poughkeepsie High School graduate, Spencer earned a scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, where he transformed from a defensive lineman into one of the nation’s top offensive linemen, earning Second Team All-Big East honors his junior and senior seasons.
Spencer was selected 65th overall in the NFL Draft by the Texans. He started the first two games of the 2006 season at left tackle but suffered a broken leg and could not fully recover. 
Still, in the years since, Spencer has remained deeply committed to impacting others through leadership, mentorship and community service, using his platform as a former NFL player to serve as an advocate for youth development, mental health awareness.
He continues to serve as an inspiration to young athletes, as one of only two Poughkeepsie graduates, along with Monty Stickles in 1960, to play in the NFL.
In addition to a framed No. 77 jersey, Spencer was presented with a plaque commemorating his achievements. He was also inducted into the school’s athletic hall of fame. Following the ceremony, he spent much of the second half posing for photos with fans of all ages and catching up with friends and family.“Poughkeepsie,” Spencer said to the crowd, “I thank you guys and I love you guys for all the support, all the years.”