Akins attended Hall High School, where he lettered in football and track. As a senior, he received Arkansas player of the year, All-Conference, All-State, and All-American honors, after recording 117 total tackles, 17 passes defensed and 4 interceptions. In track, he was a two-time All-State selection and set school records in the 100 metres and the 200 metres.
College career
Akins accepted a football scholarship from the University of Arkansas. As a sophomore, he started 6 games at free safety. He decided to transfer after two years to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. As a junior, because of the one-time transfer rule, he was allowed to play immediately, posting 52 tackles, 11 passes defensed and 6 interceptions. As a senior, he posted 66 tackles, 12 passes defensed, 3 fumble recoveries and 5 interceptions, including 2 returned for touchdowns. He had a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the 27-18 win against Alcorn State University. He received All-Southwestern Athletic Conference, second-team Division I-AA All-American and Black College All-American honors. He finished his college career with 156 tackles, 25 passed defensed, 12 interceptions and 6 fumble recoveries. In his two years at Arkansas-Pine-Bluff, he tallied 118 tackles, 23 passes defensed, 11 interceptions, 5 fumble recoveries and 9 tackles for loss.
On October 27, 1999, he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys from the Green Bay Packers practice squad. Although he only played in nine games, he finished with 15 special teams tackles. In 2000, he was allocated to the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe, where he helped his team win World Bowl VIII, while registering 47 tackles, one interception, 7 special teams tackles and a blocked field goal. He made the Cowboys regular season roster but was released on October 31.
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers claimed him off waivers on November 1, 2000. During the 2001 season, Akins angered head coach Mike Sherman with mental lapses on the field and his attitude off of it. He was cut on December 6, at the time he was tied for third on the team in special teams tackles.
Cleveland Browns
On October 12, 2001, he was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns. The next year, he ranked second on the team with 25 special teams tackles while playing in 15 games.
New England Patriots
Akins signed with the New England Patriots as a free agent on March 12, 2003. He continued his career as a special teams player, contributing to the team's win in Super Bowl XXXVIII.
