Bio

Takeo Spikes
 
Height: 6-2
Weight: 242
Position: Linebacker
College: Auburn University
Born:  December 17, 1976
 
Takeo's first name is pronounced "tuh-KEE-oh," and means "great warrior" in Japanese.  His hometown is Sandersville, Ga., where he attended Washington County High School.  Playing varsity football for the Golden Hawks, Takeo earned All-American honors from Parade and USA Today during his prep career and was named Georgia's "Mr. Football" by state coaches as a senior. He was also named Georgia Player of the Year as a prep senior by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  He headed to Auburn University where he continued to excel on the football field, and was drafted 13th overall in the first round of the 1998 NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals after his junior season with the Tigers.  Takeo was a Liberal Arts major at Auburn.  He has one daughter named Jakai, meaning "beautiful flower" in Japanese. 
 
Getting to know Takeo:
 
Nickname: TKO or Spike-Dogg
Favorite Color: Blue
My favorite movie: Men of Honor
Favorite book: "The Purpose Driven Life"
Favorite board game: Taboo
First Car: GMC Jimmy
First job: Working in a chalk mining plant
In my free time I like: Fishing, meeting people, & traveling
My craziest ambition is: To fly a plane
My autobiography would be titled: "The Purpose Driven Man"
My favorite NFL team as a child was: Chicago Bears
Age I started playing football: 8
Favorite Musician or Musical Group: Outkast
My favorite quote is: "Pain is the fuel of passion - It energizes us with an intensity to change what we don't normally posses."
Someone I most admire is: Denzel Washington
My favorite food is: Macaroni & Cheese
Growing up, my football hero was: Walter Payton
My greatest achievement is: Nominated to the Pro Bowl
Most memorable game: High School State Championship
My motto is: Never look back & wish, because the more you look back; the more time it takes to accomplish your goal
Few people know that: Football is what I do, it's not who I am!
My dream car is: Phantom
The best advice I have ever received is: Let what you are speak so loud that I cannot hear what you say
When I finish playing football, I would like to: Be in a management position & I'm the owner
My pre-game superstitions/rituals are: Prayer & motivating my teammates
Favorite memory as a Buffalo Bill: First win of 2003 season against New England
 
Pro Career

1998
  • 13th pick of the 1998 NFL Draft, by the Cincinnati Bengals.
  • Led team in tackles (112). The first rookie to do so for the Bengals since James Francis in 1990
  • Takeo started all 16 games.
1999
  • In his second season, Takeo was named team captain.
  • Bested his previous season in sacks (3) and interceptions (2).
  • His 4 forced fumbles, and 4 recorded fumbles, led the team
  • Takeo started all 16 games.
2000
  • Takeo set a career high for tackles (128). This led the team, and was his third consecutive 100 tackle season.
  • Takeo also led the team in fumble recoveries.
  • Started all 16 games
2001
  • Takeo set a career high for sacks (6).
  • His 109 tackles marked the fourth consecutive 100 tackle season.
  • On September 23, Takeo scored his first career touchdown on a 66 yard interception return against the Ravens.
  • Started all 15 games that he appeared in.
2002
  • In his final season with the Bengals, Takeo recorded 112 tackles.
  • Scored his second career touchdown. This time on a fumble recovery.
  • Started all 16 games
2003
  • In his first season with the Bills, Takeo earned his first Pro Bowl appearance.
  • His 126 tackles capped off his consecutive 100 tackles streak, at 6.
  • Named All-Pro.
2004
  • Takeo started all 16 games, and recorded 96 tackles.
  • Takeo performance in the passing game exploded, setting career highs for pass deflections (16), interceptions (5), and interception return yards (122).
  • Twice returned interceptions for touchdowns.
  • Selected to his second Pro Bowl, and was named All-Pro.
2005
  • Started three games for the Bills, suffering a season-ending tear in his Achilles tendon during a week three game against the Falcons.
2006
  • Still recovering from the Achilles injury, Takeo appeared in 12 games, starting 11 of them.
  • Despite the injury, Takeo still recorded 70 tackles, one sack, a forced fumble, and 3 pass deflections.
2007
  • On March 26th, Takeo was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.
  • Recorded 86 tackles in 14 games, starting all of them.
  • Suffered a season-ending tear in his rotator cuff in week 14 against the Cowboys.
2008

  • Takeo signed with the 49ers on August 10th.
  • Returning to full health, Takeo put up his most productive numbers since 2004.
  • Recorded 96 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles.
  • Appeared in all 16 games, starting 13 of them.
  • Takeo was awarded the 49er Matt Hazeltine award, given annually to the most courageous and inspirational defensive player.

Check out Takeo's Career Highlights