Derrick Brooks

Derrick Brooks was the heart and soul of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense for over a decade, known for his speed, intelligence, and consistency.

Drafted 28th overall in 1995 out of Florida State, Brooks played his entire 14-year career with the Buccaneers, becoming one of the most respected linebackers in NFL history.

He was the cornerstone of Tampa Bay’s feared “Tampa 2” defense, earning 11 Pro Bowl selections and 9 All-Pro honors. In 2002, he led the Bucs to their first Super Bowl title and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year that same season.

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014, remembered not only for his excellence but for redefining the modern outside linebacker role.

Brooks's Awards and Honors

• PFWA All-Rookie Team (1995)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers No. 55 retired
• Bart Starr Award (2004)
• National champion (1993)
• Jack Lambert Trophy (1994)[a]
• Unanimous All-American (1993)
• Consensus All-American (1994)
• ACC Defensive Player of the Year (1993)
• 3× First-team All-ACC (1992–1994)
• Florida State Seminoles Jersey No. 10 honored

NFL Records

• Super Bowl champion (XXXVII)
• NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2002)
• Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2000)
• 5× First-team All-Pro (1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005)
• 4× Second-team All-Pro (1997, 1998, 2001, 2003)
• 11× Pro Bowl (1997–2006, 2008)
• 3× NFL solo tackles leader (1998, 2000, 2004)
• NFL combined tackles leader (1998)
• NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
• NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

NFL Teams

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1995–2008)