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.)