Sykes was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the 7th round of the 1972 NFL draft.[7] After being cut by the Colts before the regular season started he was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in September.[8][9] After not playing in any games for the Cardinals he was cut and then signed by the San Diego Chargers in November 1972 and placed on their taxi squad.[10] After being activated by the Chargers he played in 2 games for the Chargers, returning two kickoffs for 44 yards.[7] He returned one kickoff for 24 yards against the Denver Broncos on December 10, 1972, and he returned one kickoff for 20 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 17.[11] He was cut by the Chargers during training camp in 1973 and resigned by the Colts, but the Colts also waived him before the season started.[12][13] In 1974 he played semi-pro football for the Hanover Rhinos.[14] In 1975 he played for the Charlotte Hornets of the World Football League but his season was cut short by torn knee ligaments and the league folded during the season.[15][16]
After leaving professional football, Sykes became a physical education teacher at his alma mater of Baltimore City College and later at Highlandtown Middle School.[17] Sykes died in 2019 of an apparent stroke at the age of 70.[4]