As the Buffalo Bills prepare to host the Las Vegas Raiders for their home opener, former Bills linebacker Takeo Spikes will return to Highmark Stadium as the Legend of the Game. Spikes is looking forward to joining Bills Mafia in cheering on Buffalo as they look for their first win of the 2023 season.
"I remember the first day that I walked into the Bills' stadium for the season opener, and that was a magical day for me that I will never forget," Spikes said. "What other better way to start than to come home and get the first win at home."
Spikes had some of his best seasons in Buffalo, spending four of his 15 years in the NFL with the Bills. In 2003, the former Auburn Tiger had 126 combined tackles, two sacks and a pair of interceptions. In 2004, Spikes ran back two of his five picks for touchdowns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in both seasons.
Spikes values the relationships that he made during his time in Western New York, and still frequently speaks with his former teammates.
"What stands out to me is the fellowship, the camaraderie, the relationships that I developed with all of the guys on the team," Spikes said. "I'm still close with all of those guys in that locker room, that's something that I'm most proud of."
As some of the most loyal fans in all of sports, Spikes is looking forward to welcoming Bills Mafia back to Highmark for the 2023 season.
"Some of the greatest fans in the world, if not the greatest," Spikes said. "The thing I appreciate Bills fans is they've been through so much for so many years but they consistently support us."
From Australia to London to Western New York, one thing Spikes appreciates about Bills fans is that they are truly worldwide.
"Bills Mafia is everywhere, and that's why they call it the mafia," Spikes said. "So I cannot wait to walk inside of that stadium."
After retiring in 2013, Spikes has remained involved with football, working as an analyst for the SEC Network. The two-time Pro Bowler is also an author. His book "Behind the Mask" details personal interviews and stories from some of the NFL's greatest players. His interviews with former greats, such as Mike Singletary, Charles Bednarik and Cornelius Bennett can be found on his website.
