Takeo Spikes speaks on receiving advice during a time of struggle and the Patriots heading into Super Bowl LIII.

Former NFL linebacker Takeo Spikes is a member of the Ray of Hope foundation, which sends positive messages to uplift people going through difficult times. Spikes recalled that his own need of positivity came when he tore his Achilles tendon in a season-ending injury while playing for the Buffalo Bills in 2005.

“Basically they summed it up by saying ‘never let someone else opinion of you become your reality,'” said Spikes. “And I took it a step further to make it a say ‘Ite, I’ll do that, but I’m also going to keep in mind that I’m the own author of my autobiography.’ So I control my content, I control where it goes, and I’ma control the story.”

Spikes also picked the Rams to win Super Bowl LIII, but has learned not to bet against the Patriots.

“It might be time for me to jump on over to that other side,” said Spikes, of the Patriots. “And so, you know what? Acknowledge it for what it is: it’s greatness in the making. Everyone should accept it.”