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An FSU football legend was recognized by the NCAA during the women's college basketball NCAA Tournament's Final Four on Friday.
Derrick Brooks, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, was recognized in between the first and second quarters of the UConn-UCLA women's basketball game at Amalie Arena, along with four other awardees.
Brooks, with the other four, received the Legends and Legacy Community Award from the NCAA as the 2025 Tampa Honorees. Also receiving the award were Thaddeus Bullard, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Hillsborough County's Gwen Myers and USF's former Senior Associate AD and Interim Director of Athletics, Barbara Sparks-McGlinchy.
Brooks, who is from Pensacola, currently serves as the executive vice president of corporate and community development for the Vinik Sports Group in Tampa.
The legend still believes: FSU football great Derrick Brooks 'staying committed' to Seminoles after horrible 2024 season
The award from the NCAA honors "living legends," according to the NCAA website, "who have committed their time, resources, and influence to improve and invest in their local communities.
"Acknowledging and celebrating their determination to make a difference. This award is bestowed on individuals who exemplify selflessness and strives for excellence," NCAA's website states. "Concerned citizens who render extraordinary and valuable service within the local community of the Final Four host cities for the Men's and Women's Basketball Championship."
Brooks is the founder of Derrick Brooks Charities. In Tampa, he's been recognized as a Community Hero by the Tampa Bay Lightning among several other prestigious awards, such as the Walton Payton NFL Man of the Year award.
"The 2025 Legends and Legacy Community Award is an honor for local citizens whose investments and generosity have lasting positive change within their cities," said Felicia Martin, NCAA senior vice president. "This year's recipients are true champions for their hometowns – committed to doing something good for their neighborhoods, dedicated to creating opportunities for fellow citizens and passionate about serving their community in unique and meaningful ways."
Brooks was an All-American in both 1993 and 1994, and was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 1993. He was a three-time First Team All-ACC selection, finishing his career with 274 tackles, five interceptions, 8 1/2 sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
Most of his collegiate career was spent at linebacker, after switching to the position following his freshman year at safety. Brooks went on to have a hall of fame career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and has since had his No. 10 jersey retired by FSU in 2010.
From Pensacola, Brooks – who was given the keys to the city in 2014 and honored with Derrick Brooks Day, which is on Jan. 13 — has stayed connected with his hometown as well. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, and consistently does charity events in Northwest Florida.
Thanks to Derrick Brooks Charities and Soles4Souls, Brooks provided nearly 350 elementary school students with a new pair of shoes just a couple weeks before Christmas in Pensacola.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Derrick Brooks honored at Women's Final Four for community service
Continue reading...
Derrick Brooks, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, was recognized in between the first and second quarters of the UConn-UCLA women's basketball game at Amalie Arena, along with four other awardees.
Brooks, with the other four, received the Legends and Legacy Community Award from the NCAA as the 2025 Tampa Honorees. Also receiving the award were Thaddeus Bullard, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Hillsborough County's Gwen Myers and USF's former Senior Associate AD and Interim Director of Athletics, Barbara Sparks-McGlinchy.
Brooks, who is from Pensacola, currently serves as the executive vice president of corporate and community development for the Vinik Sports Group in Tampa.
The legend still believes: FSU football great Derrick Brooks 'staying committed' to Seminoles after horrible 2024 season
The award from the NCAA honors "living legends," according to the NCAA website, "who have committed their time, resources, and influence to improve and invest in their local communities.
"Acknowledging and celebrating their determination to make a difference. This award is bestowed on individuals who exemplify selflessness and strives for excellence," NCAA's website states. "Concerned citizens who render extraordinary and valuable service within the local community of the Final Four host cities for the Men's and Women's Basketball Championship."
Brooks is the founder of Derrick Brooks Charities. In Tampa, he's been recognized as a Community Hero by the Tampa Bay Lightning among several other prestigious awards, such as the Walton Payton NFL Man of the Year award.
"The 2025 Legends and Legacy Community Award is an honor for local citizens whose investments and generosity have lasting positive change within their cities," said Felicia Martin, NCAA senior vice president. "This year's recipients are true champions for their hometowns – committed to doing something good for their neighborhoods, dedicated to creating opportunities for fellow citizens and passionate about serving their community in unique and meaningful ways."
Brooks was an All-American in both 1993 and 1994, and was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 1993. He was a three-time First Team All-ACC selection, finishing his career with 274 tackles, five interceptions, 8 1/2 sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
Most of his collegiate career was spent at linebacker, after switching to the position following his freshman year at safety. Brooks went on to have a hall of fame career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and has since had his No. 10 jersey retired by FSU in 2010.
From Pensacola, Brooks – who was given the keys to the city in 2014 and honored with Derrick Brooks Day, which is on Jan. 13 — has stayed connected with his hometown as well. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, and consistently does charity events in Northwest Florida.
Thanks to Derrick Brooks Charities and Soles4Souls, Brooks provided nearly 350 elementary school students with a new pair of shoes just a couple weeks before Christmas in Pensacola.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Derrick Brooks honored at Women's Final Four for community service
Continue reading...
