Takeo Spikes - Class of 2019 Inductee
Channel: Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
Date: 2019-03-07

Born in Augusta and given a first name that translates to Great Warrior, Takeo Spikes would become one the most fierce and formidable linebacker on the gridiron. Spikes grew up in the rural mining town of Sandersville, Georgia and had a stellar football career at Washington County High School leading the Golden Hawks to a 2A State Football Championship. His exceptional playing earned him the title Mr. Football for the entire state of Georgia and was awarded All-American honors from USA Today and Parade. 

Spikes played collegiately for the Auburn Tigers from 1995-1997. He stood out there as well, leading the Tigers in tackles in 1996 and 1997 and was a two-time Butkus Award semi-finalist.

Spikes would spend 15 seasons in the National Football League playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers and San Diego Chargers. He is one of only 7 linebackers to achieve more than 200 career starts in the NFL. Only once did Spikes record less than 70 tackles in a single season. He was honored with two Pro Bowl selections (2003, 2004) and as a first-team All-Pro in 2004. He recorded more than 1400 tackles during his time in the NFL.

Spikes has contributed immensely to charitable work and outreach. He provides mentoring at his annual TKO Camp where he inspires kids to reach their goals and improve their football skills. He’s also authored the book Behind the Mask, a collection of photographs (taken by Spikes himself) and behind the scenes stories from 12 of the NFL’s greatest linebackers. In 2016, Spikes earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Miami. Spikes has served as the color commentator on ACC Network/Raycom and an analyst for SiriusXM’s NFL Radio and a guest analyst with various other outlets.