Ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Derrick Brooks joins ESPN2’s First Take as NFL analyst

Former Bucs linebacker Derrick Brooks is joining ESPN2’s morning show First Take as an NFL analyst. Brooks will provide analysis alongside Lomas Brown, one of his former teammates, and appear mostly on Thursdays and Fridays. He is scheduled to make his debut Thursday. The show airs from 10 a.m. to noon.

But Brooks' move to ESPN doesn't mean he has given up his playing career. Brooks told the Times he is still is pursuing a job as a player in the NFL.

"I'm not retiring," Brooks said. "I told ESPN I would do this until I sign with a team."

Brooks was the Bucs' first-round pick out of Florida State in 1995 and spent 14 seasons with Tampa Bay before being released after last season. He was elected to 11 Pro Bowls and was the 2002 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Since being released, it's believed he has had conversations with several teams, including the Saints and Bears.

In a statement released by ESPN, Brooks, 36, further hinted he still wishes to play.

"While I still feel I can play in the NFL, I'm excited to be a part of ESPN's NFL coverage where I have a lot of former teammates,'' he said. "I look forward to the exposure this opportunity will bring as I share my knowledge and perspective of the game on First Take.''
 
Brooks is a former teammate of three current ESPN NFL analysts: Brown, Keyshawn Johnson and Trent Dilfer (as well as college football analyst Shaun King). Brooks was also coached by ESPN Monday Night Football commentator Jon Gruden with the Bucs. In addition, former Bucs quarterback Steve Young also works for ESPN.

(Pictured - Derrick Brooks. Times file | 2009.) 

Comments

[blackmagic00]

Can't wait to see him in action. Good luck 55.

[Paul]

Brooks is a class act and I am glad that he went out with class.

He could have pulled a Farve and let ego take over.

Now he will be a BUC forever and will enter the "hall" as a member of The Tampa Bay Bucs.

[CW]

He didn't retire, he's just going on TV. Doesn't mean he's not going to play again. I bet he's going to be really good on TV.

[OAR]

Farve is classless, cause he wants to play?

[Itch]

This must mean he is not gonna go to any team. I thought Detroit would take him for, show you what I know.

Where is Dunn?

[1979 BucFan]

you dont GO into the HALL as anything. Its not baseball. Your Bust does NOT have a team logo on it.

[John]

Derrick,

Come back to the Tampa Bay area and run for U.S. Congress. We need some new leaders in D.C.

[anytime]

I can't believe noone would sign him
even on a one year deal!! Brooks is one
of the classiest true greats in football! I guess this is the next best thing. Hopefully he'll get picked up by Fox in the future!

[Alex]

So I guess this makes John Carney the last remaining orange uniform Buc.

I think the reason nobody signed him is that Derrick didn't want to play for league minimum salary.

[aj]

NFL Live was reporting that the Pats called DB today about a tryout. That's where I've always figured he'd end up.

[WS]

Paul, maybe you should read the WHOLE article next time. Maybe it was a bit to lengthy for you.

[galloway84]

Derrick Brooks........first ballot HOF. One of the best outside linebackers during his time. I wish he would return in a Bucs uniform but that will never happen. The Patroits have some interest. The Pats are looking for veteran leadership on defense. Derrick Brooks is a class act and he is one of my favorite Buccaneer player of all time. Wish DB the best.

[D Block]

Happy Trails he was definetely one of my favorites.

[D Block]

Favre is definetely selfish! I don't know if i would call him classles. You never should wish bad luck on anyone but part of me was hoping he would get the crap sacked out of him especially after that cut block he threw a few weeks ago.

[Yoshi]

PLEEEEEEEEASE Anywhere but the Gaytriots... Im sorry but i rather see Derrick Brooks on espn than any other team, especially if its the team i hate the most!! If he does get signed hopefully its with the bears... atleast he still would have a former Tampa Coach in Lovie Smith. Call me selfish but i never want to see DB in another jersey unless its the bucs!

[Jack]

I hope DB realizes he is in a better long-term situation with ESPN. Belichick looks for role players in his defense and sentimentalism for a veteran is not his strong suit - you may remember John Lynch getting cut just after 2 weeks.