Episode 15: Takeo Spikes | Former All-Pro NFL Linebacker & Author of Behind The Mask
Episode 15: Takeo Spikes | Former All-Pro 15-Year NFL Linebacker & Behind The Mask Author
Subscribe on Apple Podcast | Google Play | Stitcher
Rich Take On Sports
Show Notes:
- Rich Spotlight: Takeo Spikes
- Writing the book was harder than playing 15 years in NFL because of writer’s block
- Inspired to write the book “Behind The Mask” after tearing his Achilles Tendon in 2006 and wanted to share stories of linebackers before him
- People in the book all had common themes of commitment, sacrifice and were outliers
- Trying to compete with his brothers motivated him at an early age and not being selected for neighbor games also motivated him to proof people wrong
- Loved basketball growing up but football allowed him to hit people without getting into trouble
- Track became an important sport for him because it allowed him to surprise people because many people were surprised he could run so fast
- Fear of coming in last is what motivated him to succeed
- Chose Auburn University
- Named MVP of SEC Championship after losing to Peyton Manning and the Tennessee Volunteers 30-29 in 1997
- Decided to enter NFL draft after his Junior season
- Played 15 years in the NFL and was named Team Captain 13 of those 15 years
- Doesn’t regret leaving Cincinnati and like time in Buffalo because that city loved their football like a local high school team
- Doesn’t dwell on the fact that he never played in an NFL Playoff game after playing in over 200 games
- Brett Favre is the toughest QB he’s ever played against and an interception is better than a sack
- Words of Wisdom from Takeo: “If you are what you have and what you have gets taken away then who are you.”
- Weekly Words of Wisdom: “When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when it’s convenient; when you’re committed to something you accept no excuses, only results “
Social Media:
To Follow Takeo Spikes on Twitter: @takeospikes51
To Follow Takeo Spikes on Instagram: @takeospikes51
Find “Behind The Mask” Book: www.behindthemaskbook.com
To Follow Rich Take On Sports on Twitter: @richtakesports
About the author, Richmond Weaver
Richmond, a graduate of Clemson University has been involved with sports for most of his life and developed a passion for basketball and sports at an early age. He currently lives in Greenville, SC with his wife Karen, founder of Upstate Esthetics and their three kids.