Former NFL linebacker Derrick Brooks is one of the best linebackers ever to play the game. He spent his entire career playing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and had success with the team throughout his career.

Brooks accomplished individual goals and team goals as an NFL player. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame when his career finished, and he decided to turn to baseball after retirement.

Derrick Brooks successful NFL career

Brooks started his NFL career in 1995 when the Buccaneers selected him with the 28th pick in the NFL draft. He made an immediate impact in Tampa Bay when he joined the team. Brooks played in all 16 regular seasons games during his 14-year career.

As a rookie, Brooks had 78 combined tackles and 59 solo tackles. His numbers continued to improve over the years, and he quickly established himself as one of the top defensive players in the league. Brooks was a physical linebacker, and when he tackled people, they felt it. He also had a high IQ for the game, and his leadership had a significant impact on his team. The linebacker was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year during the 2000 season. The award is giving out to a player honoring their volunteer and charity work as well as their performance on the field.

During the 2002 season, that was a big year for Brooks and the Buccaneers. The team finished with a 12-4 record throughout the regular season and were heading into the playoffs with a lot of momentum. Tampa Bay made it to the Super Bowl and took on the Oakland Raiders. The Buccaneers dominated the entire game and would defeat the Raiders 48-21. That was the team’s first Super Bowl in the history of their franchise.

That year Brooks had a lot of success. He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He would continue to succeed at a high level throughout his career. Not only was he a fan favorite in Tampa Bay, but he was well-respected across the league.

Derrick Brooks retired as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer

When Brooks was nearing the end of his career, he continued to perform at a high-level. During the 2006 and 2007 season, he finished over 100 combined tackles. His final season was in 2008, and that year he finished with 73 combined tackles and 58 solo tackles.

Brooks made the Pro Bowl 11 times and was a five-time First-Team All-Pro selection and a four-time Second-team All-Pro selection. His No.55 was retired by the Buccaneers, and he was inducted into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor. He also was a member of the NFL 100th Anniversary Team and was named to the 2000s All-Decade Team.

After his playing career, Brooks decided to become a football analyst for ESPN and a co-host of The Red Zone on Sirius NFL Radio. Brooks also decided to get involved in baseball too.

Derrick Brooks became a minority owner of a minor league baseball team

Brooks found himself involved with a minor league baseball team. He joined the Pensacola Blue Wahoos as a minority investor. Brooks was not only well-known in football, but his name was known throughout other sports as well.

With all the success he had in football, he wanted to have success with a team behind the scenes. The Blue Wahoos are located in Brooks’ home state in Florida. Brooks is setting himself up to have a long successful career from the decisions that he’s making as a businessman.