Washington County Golden Hawks football legend Takeo Spikes was recently announced as a 2024 inductee into the National High School Hall of Fame.
Spikes, a Sandersville native, is one of 11 inductees in this year’s class that includes four players, four coaches, two state association administrators, and one contest official. An induction ceremony will be held at the National Federation of High Schools Summer Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts on July 1.
“Etching my name in history with these legends, I am proud to be one of the four players selected this year to enter the National High School Hall of Fame,” said Takeo Spikes. “Big shout out to the undefeated 1994 WACO Hawks, the mastermind coach Rick Tomberlin, the enforcer and motivator Sammy Williams, Robin Hines for leading the charge, and everyone who fueled this fire.”
A standout at each competitive level of the game – high school, collegiate, and professional – Takeo Spikes began his playing days and molded his craft at the Washington County High School from 1991 to 1994 as a two-way standout, playing tight end on offense and linebacker on defense.
In his four years as a Golden Hawk, he helped lead the team to a 49-win, 6-loss overall record, three Region Championships, and one State Championship in 1994.
The state title was the end result of an undefeated 15-0 campaign that prominently featured Spikes. That team is still considered one of the most feared, respected, and talented units in the history of high school athletics – winning games by an average score of 42-6 and scoring a then state record 630 points.
Individually in his career, Takeo Spikes caught 40 passes for 751 yards. Electric with the ball in his hands, over half of his receptions resulted in touchdowns (22).
Defensively, he amassed 238 career tackles, three interceptions, and two blocked punts. Amazingly, Spikes made 33 tackles behind the line of scrimmage that resulted in a loss of yards.
For his efforts, Spikes was awarded as a 2-time All State player and 3-time All -Region player. Following his senior season, he was named the Player of the Year by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Macon Telegraph, as well as an All-American by USA Today.
“Takeo was one of the most popular students in school among his teachers and school administrators,” said Rick Tomberlin, who coached Spikes during his final three years in Washington County. “In my observation, which goes beyond 40-plus years of coaching, I have never witnessed a better high school player in any classification than Takeo Spikes. He was our bell cow and the best team leader that I have ever observed.”
Spikes also competed and earned four letters in track and field, participating in multiple events and receiving region and state honors during his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons.
Following his historic high school career, he possessed a nationwide list of potential college suitors begging for his future contributions. Spikes chose to attend Auburn University in neighboring Alabama, where he starred at linebacker from the moment he walked on campus.
Takeo Spikes was a three-year starter and a two-time All Southeastern Conference selection. He led the Tigers with 136 tackles in their 1997 season that resulted with an appearance in the SEC Title Game, a contest in which he was named MVP.
Regarded as one of America’s most gifted amateur players, Spikes then opted to depart Auburn following his junior season and enter the 1998 NFL Draft. He was selected in the 1st Round as the 13th overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals, in turn starting every game played the following season and recording the most total snaps played by any offensive or defensive player.
By his second professional season, Takeo Spikes was voted as a Captain by his teammates. He spent five seasons in Cincinnati before signing as a free agent with Buffalo, being selected to the Pro Bowl following his first two seasons as a Bill and being named as an All-Pro after the 2004 season.
Spikes would proceed to play with the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and San Diego Chargers prior to his retirement. In his 15-year career, he recorded over 1,400 tackles, 29 sacks, 19 interceptions, 17 forced fumbles, 4 touchdowns, and became one of only seven linebackers in league history to achieve more than 200 career starts in the NFL. He was a Team Captain in 13 out of his 15 seasons, only once totaling less than 70 tackles in a season, which was during a campaign that ended early due to injury.
Post-retirement, Takeo Spikes returned to Auburn to finalize his degree. He was previously inducted into the Alabama Sports Halls of Fame in 2017 and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. Spikes was invited to be an inaugural member of the Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame Class in 2022.
He continues to maintain a public persona as a popular analyst on the ESPN SEC Network.
Locally, Spikes mentors Washington County youth during his TKO Camp that attempts to bridge the gap from turning goals into reality. The annual, day-long event provides middle and high school boys and girls an opportunity to participate in football, basketball, and cheerleading camps with other professional athletes and motivational speakers. It also financially contributes to the Washington County Recreation Department.
The National High School Hall of Fame was started in 1982 to honor high school athletes, coaches, officials, and administrators for their extraordinary achievements in high school athletics. In 2003, the Hall of Fame announced the inclusion of exceptional individuals in the performing arts realm. An elite number of just over 500 individuals have been inducted National High School Hall of Fame in its 42 years.