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Takeo Spikes has transitioned from an accomplished NFL linebacker to a respected media personality and advocate.
Takeo was named a Ford Motor Company Foundation “Men of Courage” Ambassador in July 2018.
Spikes has partnered with companies like LG, among others, leveraging his profile after his NFL career.
After retiring from football in 2013, he worked with the NFL Network as a media personality.
Spikes worked with NBC Sports providing commentary and analysis.
Spikes provided commentary on weekly ACC shows for SiriusXM.
Spikes participated in a series as part of a partnership between Campus Lore and the NFLPA.
A partnership with the NFL to celebrate America's game at the high school level, focusing on raising awareness.
Born on December 17, 1976, in Augusta, Georgia, Takeo Gerard Spikes established himself as a prominent figure in professional football. After earning All-American honors in high school and leading Auburn University in tackles during the 1997 campaign, he was selected as the 13th overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft. His career spanned 15 seasons in the National Football League, playing for the Cincinnati Bengals (1998-2002), Buffalo Bills (2003-2006), Philadelphia Eagles (2007), San Francisco 49ers (2008-2010), and San Diego Chargers (2011-2012). Over his career, Spikes played in 219 games, starting 215 of them. He recorded 1,431 combined tackles, 29.0 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, and 19 interceptions.
Throughout his NFL tenure, Spikes was recognized for his consistent performance and strong leadership, serving as a team captain for 13 of his 15 seasons. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection in 2003 and 2004, and earned First-team All-Pro honors in 2004. Key milestones include leading the Bengals in tackles multiple times and his two-interception game with two touchdowns in 2004 as a Buffalo Bill. In a unique career note, he played 219 games without a playoff appearance, an NFL record.
Following his retirement from the NFL in 2013, Spikes pursued a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Miami Business School, which he completed in 2016. He later transitioned into a successful media career, becoming a football analyst for NBC Sports Network and Sky Sports in the United Kingdom, and co-hosting shows on SiriusXM and the SEC Network. He also founded “Behind the Mask Media” in 2020. Beyond media, he dedicates time to philanthropy, notably through his annual TKO camp which mentors young athletes and contributes to local athletic departments.
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