Auburn Football: Top 25 Best Former Auburn Tigers in NFL History
4. Takeo Spikes, LB
A starter from Day 1 of his rookie season, Takeo Spikes was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 13th overall pick of the 1998 NFL Draft. He missed just one game in five seasons with the Bengals.
His best seasons in Cincinnati included a career-high six sacks and a 66-yard interception return for a touchdown in 2001 as well as 110 solo tackles in 2000.
A two-time Pro Bowler with the Buffalo Bills in 2003 and 2004, Spikes also earned distinction as an All-Pro in 2004.
That year, he started all 16 games, recorded 96 total tackles with three sacks. A terrific pass defender, Spikes had a career-high five interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns, and broke up 18 passes. His five picks ranked eighth in the NFL that season.
Spikes held many roles throughout his NFL career and played inside linebacker, weak side linebacker and strong side linebacker at different points.
In 15 NFL seasons with the Bengals, Bills, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and San Diego Chargers, Spikes played 219 games – 215 of which he started – and recorded 1,425 career tackles – the most for any former Auburn football player. He intercepted 19 career passes, forced 16 fumbles and recovered 18.
Next: 3. Willie Anderson