By Mia Fishman
Through Takeo Spikes’ lens, success is all in a day’s work. Spikes, a veteran linebacker for the National Football League, is a Georgia native born in Augusta and furthered his athletic career about 63 miles south at Washington County High School in Sandersville.
During his senior season with the Golden Hawks gridiron squad, Spikes was named the state of Georgia’s “Mr. Football” as well as Georgia Player of the Year together with All-American accolades from both Parade and USA Today.
After a collegiate career at Auburn University under head coach Terry Bowden, Spikes was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals as the 13th overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. The statistics and draft stock certainly don’t lie here –– Takeo Spikes was a damn good football player. He was one of only seven linebackers to record more than 200 career starts and only had one season with less than 70 tackles.
Following a four year stint in the Buckeye State, he found himself playing for a multitude of different professional squads including the Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers. He played across the league for 15 years (13 of which he was a team captain) until 2012 where he retired with the San Diego Chargers. He later cracked the joints in his neck, retired from football, and headed over to NBC Sports Network to begin his run as a media personality.
While Spikes may carry a handful of Pro-Bowl and All-Pro honors, his philanthropy work across the state of Georgia is what truly exceeds the glitz and the glamor of his impressive football career. Following the death of his father, Spikes devoted his being to those in need.
“My father was a good man,” Spikes said, “If I can live my life just as he did, even three-quarters of the way he did, then I figure I’ll have a pretty successful life.”
Spikes has partnered with USA Football and mentored at TKO camps in Sandersville. Through these field days, Spikes never fails to inspire the youth within his own community. The camp, which is put on annually, ultimately influences a financial contribution to the Washington County athletic department.
Aside from his philanthropic work, Spikes has a passion for all things photography. In his publication, “Behind the Mask,” a slew of “intimate stories and photographs” capture some of the NFL’s greatest linebackers. He has also worked closely with Georgia’s Attorney General Chris Carr to advocate for the movement against sex-trafficking.
A “Man of Courage,” Takeo Spikes embodies the pleasure in life, giving back, and of course, within the game.