VIDEO – It’s fitting that the best NFL moment for Takeo Spikes really isn’t a moment that makes him stand out from the rest, but moments in which he and his team band together to make an impact play. Reason being, Spikes isn’t only a leader and a mentor for his teammates but as a member of the Player Advisory Council he stands as an unselfish leader for the entire league.
Spikes, a former first round draft pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1998, has had a long rollercoaster type career in the NFL. He came in to the league as one of the brightest young talents at inside linebacker leading the Bengals in tackles in his rookie season. After a few seasons of huge numbers and Pro-Bowl snubs he made his first appearance in 2003 then followed that up with another appearance the following season.
His career took a dramatic turn for the worse in 2005 when he suffered from a torn Achilles tendon at the beginning of the season while playing for the Buffalo Bills. The injury affected his numbers up until last season, but during the time that he wasn’t being the Pro Bowler he once was, he used his talents to make an impact amongst players, coaches and the media off the field.
Spikes was awarded the Matt Hazeltine Award in 2008 and the Len Eshmont Award in 2010 as the 49ers’ most courageous and inspirational defensive player. He was also given the Garry Niver Award for cooperation and professionalism in dealing with the media. Although one of the most intimidating players in the NFL, the former Auburn standout’s credentials proves that he is a professional in every sense of the word.
Currently, Spikes is in the first year of a three-year deal with his fourth NFL franchise, the San Diego Chargers. He leads the first place Chargers in tackles with 37 and is the foundation of a defense that is fifth in the league in total yards.
“At the end of the day, this league is about what have you done for me lately? If you can come in here and make the plays that another guy can’t, then you’ll play a long time,” Spikes said.
Although he wasn’t talking about himself he knows what it takes to be a starter in this league, as for his best moment, the way the Chargers are playing that could still be yet to come.
