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Derrick Brooks timeline

 
Brooks holds up the trophy given to him for being named the Pro Bowl’s MVP.
Brooks holds up the trophy given to him for being named the Pro Bowl’s MVP.
Published July 28, 2014

Through the years

April 18, 1973: Born April 18 in Pensacola.

1989: As a junior, helps lead Pensa­cola Washington High to the Class 5A state semifinals, where it loses to eventual champion Bradenton Manatee.

1991: Signs with Florida State, where he plays four seasons and is a first-team All-ACC pick as a sophomore, junior and senior.

1993: Switches from safety to linebacker and is named ACC defensive player of the year and first-team All-American as FSU wins the national championship, beating Nebraska 18-16 in the Orange Bowl.

1994: Named an All-American honorable mention.

April 22, 1995: Selected 28th overall by the Bucs.

1997: Leads the Bucs to their first playoff berth since 1982, which includes a 20-10 wild-card win over the Lions at Tampa Stadium. Named to the first of 11 Pro Bowls.

1997: Creates Brooks Bunch, which helps youth from the Wilbert Davis, Ybor City and Brandon Boys & Girls clubs.

1999: Leads the Bucs to the NFC Central title and a 14-13 win against the Redskins in the division game before an 11-6 loss to the Rams in the NFC title game.

2000: Named the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year (honoring off-field efforts). Escorts members of the Brooks Bunch for a trip to South Africa.

Sept. 30, 2001: Sets a franchise record with 23 tackles (18 solo) and adds an interception in a 20-16 loss at Minnesota.

2002: Named NFL defensive player of the year after recording 170 tackles and five interceptions (three returned for scores) in leading the Bucs to the NFC South title then a win in Super Bowl XXXVII.

2003: Named NFL's Byron "Whizzer" White Man of the Year (for community service). Named to FSU's board of directors.

Feb. 12, 2006: In his 10th consecutive Pro Bowl, named the MVP after returning a Trent Green interception 59 yards for a touchdown that secures the NFC's victory.

2007: Co-founds Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High School, a charter school in Hillsborough County, with former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo.

2008: In his final season, records 73 tackles and an interception and is selected to his 11th Pro Bowl. The 11 Pro Bowls tie for second most by a linebacker in NFL history.

Feb. 25, 2009: Released by the Bucs along with fellow veterans Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard, Warrick Dunn and Cato June. Later hired by ESPN as an NFL analyst.

Nov. 13, 2010: FSU retires his No. 10 jersey.

2011: Named president of the Arena Football League's Tampa Bay Storm.

Feb. 1, 2014: Elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

July 25, 2014: Named one of two NFL arbitrators to rule on appeals of fines levied for on-field infractions.

Times staff