Derrick Brooks is a National Football League linebacker who most recently played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brooks was released by the Buccaneers on February 25, 2009, after 14 years with the team.

After his release, the Buccaneers reportedly offered Brooks a front office position in the franchise. Brooks responded that he would explore other playing options before announcing his retirement.JoeBucsFan.com: Glazer Boys Offered Derrick Brooks A Job

Brooks began his career playing college football with the Florida State Seminoles in the NCAA. He played at both safety and linebacker, recording 274 tackles, 13 pass deflections, 8.5 sacks, five interceptions, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Brooks was honored with All-American and All-ACC honors.Official Site of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Derrick Brooks

After college, Brooks was selected 28th overall in the 1995 NFL draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He made his professional debut that same year, playing in all 16 regular season games. in 1997, Brooks earned his first of 10 Pro Bowl selections.Official Site of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Derrick Brooks

Brooks was selected for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2000, for his excellence on and off the field. He went on to earn the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2002, while helping the Buccaneers win Super Bowl XXXVII. His success continued and in 2005, he was named the MVP of the Pro Bowl.Official Site of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Derrick Brooks

• Mahalo's Guide to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• NFL.com: Career Stats
  • Height: 6-0
  • Weight: 235
  • Rookie Year: 1995

• April 18, 1973: Born

• 1991: College football debut with the Florida State University

• 1995: Drafted in the 1st round, 28th overall, in the NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• 1997: First of 10 Pro Bowl selections

• 2000: Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

• 2002: NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award

• 2002: Won Super Bowl XXXVII with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• 2004: Bart Starr Award

• 2006: Pro Bowl MVP

• 2009: Released by the Buccaneers