One of the NFL's best got his start the BFS way
There are approximately 15,000 high schools supporting football programs in the US but only 32 teams in the NFL, so you’ve got to figure the odds of an athlete making it to game-day Sunday are mighty slim. Only the best of the best are drafted, and only a few of those actually make the final cut. So it’s no wonder that BFS Clinician Rick Tomberlin is especially proud to have coached Takeo Spikes, a 242-pound linebacker for the Buffalo Bills.
“Takeo played for me his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. During that time we were 413,” says Tomberlin, currently the head coach at Washington County High School in Sandersville, Georgia. “In his senior year we were 15-0 and state champions—we were never challenged, and Takeo was our ace that year,” says Tomberlin. “Takeo is the most driven athlete and the best leader I have ever coached. He simply would not allow the team to ever have a bad practice. He always came up with a devastating hit or a big offensive play when we needed one.” As a tight end, Spikes caught 17 touchdowns in his senior year; and he also excelled in track. That year Spikes was selected as Georgia’s Mr.
Football by the state’s coaches and Georgia Player of the Year by the Atlanta JournalConstitution, and he earned All-America honors from USA Today and Parade. Tomberlin attributes much of Spikes’ success to his efforts in the weightroom. “Takeo believes in being prepared and continues to train diligently, breaking personal records and always staying in top shape.”
Spikes agrees. “When Coach T and his staff came to Washington County during my freshman year in high school, they taught me the value of hard work and the importance of getting in and staying in great physical condition. We always took the field knowing we were the stronger, better-conditioned team. I have always been a goal-oriented person and Coach T showed me how to make my athletic goals a reality. In training for the NFL I still use the BFS program and training philosophy I learned in high school.”
The Role Model Linebacker Born in Sandersville, Georgia, Spikes explains his full name is Takeo Gerard Spikes. Takeo is pronounced “tuh-KEE-oh” and translates as “great warrior” in Japanese. He has definitely lived up to his name. After high school Spikes attended Auburn University, majoring in liberal arts. As a linebacker, by his sophomore year he was a semifinalist for the Dick Butkus award. In his junior year he was named Takeo Spikes, #51 of the Buffalo Bills, wrestles down Tony Stewart of the Cincinnati Bengals during a game on October 5, 2003.
Spikes played five seasons with the September/October 2004 When asked for his perspective on the biggest difference between the NFL and college, Spikes said it was the speed of the game and that every player was “bigger, faster and stronger.”
Spikes does a high-flying tackle on Marc Edwards of the Jacksonville Jaguars during a game on September 14, 2002. Despite his intensity on the field, in his entire NFL career Spikes has never missed a game due to injury.
Above, BFS Clinician Rick Tomberlin poses with Miami Dolphins running back Robert Edwards, and Takeo Spikes. The top right photo was taken on signing day in 1995 when Jeremy Brett and Spikes signed with Auburn, and the bottom right photo is Edwards and Spikes displaying their Washington County Hawks football jerseys. Week and put a halt to a 12-game winning streak by National Defensive Player of the Year by Football the defending Super Bowl champions. News and First-Team All-America by Sporting News.
In addition to making an impact on the field, At this time Spikes decided to enter the NFL draft Spikes has made a good impression off the field with and was drafted in the first round (13th overall) by his charity work. He did volunteer work for the Bengals. Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati, serving as a During his rookie year in the NFL, he made an spokesman for its eye screening immediate impact. He started in all program, and represented the 16 regular-season games and led Bengals in the NFL’s United the team in tackles, the first rookie Way Program in 1999. He was to do so since James Francis in During his rookie also an active supporter of 1990.
His first sack was in a game year in the NFL, Cincinnati’s planned National with the Green Bay Packers, where Underground Railroad Freedom a fourth-down play by Spikes hit Takeo made an Center, helping raise private quarterback Brett Favre for a 12immediate impact. donations by performing radio yard loss. The following year announcements and making perSpikes became a team captain. He started in all 16 sonal appearances. When asked for his perspective on In 2003 Spikes became a the biggest difference between the regular-season free agent and signed with the NFL and college, Spikes said it games and led the Bills.
That year the team surrenwas the speed of the game and that dered 145 fewer yards than in every player was “bigger, faster and team in tackles 2002, due in large measure to stronger.” Spikes’ contributions. He accuSpikes spent five years with mulated 137 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 the Bengals, starting every game interceptions, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery, and never missing a single game due to injury. He thereby earning him a place in a Pro Bowl. Spikes earned the team tackling crown for four years, was subsequently interviewed by Democrat and becoming only the third Bengals player to do so.
In Chronicle and was asked for his views on athletes as 2001 he posted his best numbers, with 173 total tackrole models. His reply reflects the perceptive side of les along with 6 sacks. One of the highlights that this amazing athlete: “It’s not up to an athlete to year was a 66-yard interception return for a touchdecide if he wants to be a role model. Like it or not, down against Baltimore on September 23, which you are one.” BFS helped him win the AFC Defensive Player of the BFS provides a large array of quality accessories to aid you and keep you safe! See our huge selection below...
Number 320107 322920 322921 322922 322925 322926 322927 322928 322931 Price $ 11.95 $ 29.95 $ 21.95 $ 6.95 $ 4.95 pr $ 7.95 pr $ 8.50 pr $ 21.95 pr $ 7.95 pr Item Barbell Pad Nylon Dip Belt Nylon Head Harness Nylon Ankle Cuff Cotton Lifting Straps Padded Cotton Lifting Straps Leather Lifting Straps Lifting Hook Straps Elastic Wrist Wraps Number 322932 322933 322934 call call call call Price $ 12.95 $ 24.95 pr $ 9.95 pr $ 12.95 $ 15.95 $ 19.95 $ 24.95 Item Elastic Knee Wraps Powerlifting Knee Wraps Elastic Elbow Wraps Gloves-Leather XS-XXL Gloves-Power Wrist Wrap XS-XXL 4” Nylon Belt S-XL 6”
Nylon Belt S-XL Takes the place of: Large Squat Box Medium Squat Box Small Squat Box Squat Box Booster SLDL Platform Sit & Reach Box
From BFS Magazine — September/October 2004. Part of the BFS Magazine Archive (1980–2014).
