Former New England Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes says he took a financial paycut when he left the University of Florida for the National Football League. The retired player made the claim while appearing as a guest on the "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast, where he discussed his transition from college football to a professional career.
Spikes was a five-star high school prospect from Shelby, North Carolina, who committed to Florida and joined a recruiting class that also included Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin. During his time at the university, he earned two All-American selections and was part of two national championship teams. After his college career, he was selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Patriots, where he played for five of his seven seasons in the league.
When asked about his earnings during his college years, Spikes stated that he was not struggling financially while playing for the Gators. He noted that this was before the era of Name, Image and Likeness compensation, meaning any income he received was unofficial. "To be honest, I took a f, ing pay cut when I left 'Gainesvegas'," Spikes told podcast hosts Will Compton and Taylor Lewan. Both hosts, who were also high-level college athletes, laughed at the comment.
Spikes explained that his professional earnings were reduced by high state income taxes in Massachusetts, which he referred to as "Taxachusetts." He pointed out that playing for the Patriots in Foxborough meant his take-home pay was lower than it appeared on paper due to these tax obligations. "That check looks a little bit different when you walk up out of there," he said.
During the interview, Compton asked if Spikes had earned seven figures while playing for Florida. Spikes denied the specific amount but acknowledged that the university supported his family's move to the state. He recalled having access to home-cooked meals in Gainesville similar to those he had received throughout his life. The conversation highlighted that player compensation existed in unofficial forms before it became legally permissible under current rules.