Florida State recently unveiled a bronze statue honoring Seminoles legend Derrick Brooks, immortalizing the two‑time consensus All‑American and standout linebacker in bronze .
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🏈 The Legend: Derrick Brooks at Florida State
Brooks starred at Florida State from 1991 to 1994, earning consensus All‑American honors in 1993 and 1994 and anchoring FSU’s first-ever national championship team in 1993 .
He finished his college career with 274 tackles, five interceptions, 8.5 sacks, and multiple academic honors including Academic All‑American recognition and an NCAA postgraduate scholarship .
FSU retired his jersey No. 10 in 2010, a tribute to his impact on the program .
🌟 Pro Career Highlights
Drafted in the first round (28th overall) by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1995, Brooks became a perennial force on defense .
Over a 14‑year NFL career, he earned 11 Pro Bowl selections, five First‑team All‑Pro nods, and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2002, the same season he helped lead the Bucs to their first **Super Bowl victory (XXXVII)** .
After retirement, Brooks was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2014) and the **College Football Hall of Fame (2016)** .
🎓 Beyond the Field: Legacy & Leadership
Brooks excelled in the classroom and received two Academic All‑America honors, served as an NCAA Scholar‑Athlete, and later co-founded philanthropic initiatives including Derrick Brooks Charities and Brooks Bunch, as well as serving on Florida State’s Board of Trustees .
His ongoing commitment to education and community service is as much part of his legacy as his athletic achievements.
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Why the Statue Matters
This bronze statue is more than a tribute to a football icon—it’s a lasting testament to Brooks’s leadership, excellence in both academics and athletics, and his enduring impact on the community. FSU fans and visitors can now walk past a monument that captures not just his physical likeness, but the values and legacy he represents.
Would you like details on the statue’s location, unveiling ceremony, or the sculptor and artistic design?
