Catching Up with Brandon Spikes
Thursday, April 23, 2015 | Football
Leading up to start of the 2015 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 30, GatorZone.com is checking in with some of our Gators in the NFL to see how they have transitioned to the next level.
This week, we caught up with Brandon Spikes (@BrandonSpikes51), who just finished his fifth season in the NFL.
A second round pick by New England in 2010, Spikes played four seasons with the Patriots. In 2012, he was second on the Patriots with 92 total tackles and collected 86 tackles the next season, fifth on the team. Spikes signed with Buffalo as a free agent prior to the 2014 season and started 10 games and had 54 tackles for the Bills last year.
Spikes is currently unsigned and among the best defensive free agents available this offseason.
At Florida, Spikes played in 47 games with 39 career starts at linebacker, racking up 307 total tackles, 31.5 tackles-for-loss and 6.5 sacks. He led the Gators in tackles in back-to-back seasons (131 in 2007; 93 in 2008) while helping lead UF to the 2006 and 2008 SEC titles and two BCS National Championships. Spikes' 131 tackles in 2007 are the most by a Florida player since 2002.
1. What's the biggest difference between playing in the NFL after your college career?
The margin for error is much smaller in the league.
2. While at Florida, what helped prepare you the most for your career in the NFL?
[Former UF defensive coordinator] Charlie Strong helped me the most. Through his preaching to never be satisfied and to maintain consistency that I found myself prepared for the next level.
3. What is it like to interact with other former Gators when you have to play against them?
It's always an exciting feeling since I usually haven't seen them in a long time. I get a proud feeling to see them still in the NFL, playing at a high level. There has always been a strong bond with my fellow Gator players, and seeing them just lets you know that that that brotherhood will always be there.
4. What is your favorite memory playing at Florida?
Winning the SEC Championships and National Championships in 2006 and 2008. Lifting that crystal football in the air after our victory will always be one of the greatest moments in my life.
5. Do you have any fun plans for the offseason before getting back into football mode?
Every year I go to Aruba. A little fun in the sun, with a drink in hand never hurt anyone.
