Derrick Brooks Day

September 14th, 2014

This will be a short post because there is really nothing to write about. Bucs Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks can’t be summed up in a few paragraphs, and Joe’s not about to type a long tome.

Brooks is the greatest linebacker in Bucs history and perhaps the best outside linebacker in NFL history. Jack Ham, widely considered the greatest outside linebacker, was great but not sure Ham was any better than Brooks. Ironically, Brooks molded his game to mirror Ham’s. Brooks likely surpassed Ham.

Joe can’t think of anyone who covered receivers like a blanket in pass coverage, and rattled ballcarrier’s ribs against the run better than Brooks. Talk about an all-around player.

Joe can still vividly remember Brooks driving Michael Vick, then of the Dixie Chicks, bananas. It may have been Brooks’ best game. Vick simply could not escape Brooks no matter what he did or what he tried. It was futile.

Brooks was part of one of the greatest turnarounds in NFL history, from a laughingstock of a franchise to an annual contender to, finally, a Super Bowl champ. It was fitting that Brooks’ pick-six sealed the franchise’s first Super Bowl title. Who else?

Brooks personifies Mr. Buccaneer, Lee Roy Selmon, so much. Selmon was a pillar of the community and you could not find anyone to utter a bad word about him. Brooks is the same. In fact, Brooks has picked up the torch from the late, great Selmon. When fans think of the ultimate Buccaneer, both on and off the field, the vast majority of folks think of Brooks.

Today, at halftime, No. 55 is retired. No one else will ever wear that number again.

Congratulations, Derrick. As Mean Gene Deckerhoff may say this afternoon, “You are the greatest Buccaneer alive!”

9 Responses to “Derrick Brooks Day”

  1. Soggy Says:

    Thanks Mr. Brooks You are missed on the field..

  2. ZBucs Says:

    I will wear my 55 jersey always. My most favorite player ever, yes mr. Selmon was my first player jersey. There is no doubt mr. Brooks is the best.

  3. Buccfan37 Says:

    My eyes get all soggy when I think about what Derrick Brooks did for the Bucs.

  4. Espo Says:

    Hopefully that won’t be the only good news by halftime

  5. MadMax â„¢ Says:

    My man Mr. Brooks…..enjoy your day Brother! Wish you could suit up again because we sure could use you…..

  6. BucIt941 Says:

    Does anyone know how or where there will be the meet and greet with Derrick Brooks today at the stadium? this may be my last chance to get his Autgraph at Raymond James

  7. OB Says:

    Joe

    He has continually demonstrated his professionalism and ethics in all endeavors.

    He is one of a kind and I believe that he should be the next NFL Commissioner, he is perfect for it.

  8. lightningbuc Says:

    OB,

    I disagree. Derrick Brooks is too good of a man to have to deal with the greasy, sleazy side of the NFL. It’s no wonder they put former attorneys in the position.

  9. DB55 Says:

    Who your favorite player?