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Brooks has long been considered one of the premier outside linebackers (OLB) in the NFL, as respected off the field as he is feared on it. He was selected to the [[Pro Bowl]] every year from 1997 to 2007, but his 10-year streak ended in 2007, as he did not make the 2008 Pro Bowl. He was selected to the 2009 Pro Bowl, his eleventh 11th selection. Brooks is one of 5 Only five players in NFL history to be have been voted to 10 Pro Bowls, named Defensive Player of the Year, and be become a Super Bowl Champion. : The other 4 are [['''Mike Singletary]]''', [['''Reggie White]]''', [['''Lawrence Taylor]]''', and [['''Ray Lewis (American football)|Ray Lewis]]''', and Brooks. He has also been named All-Pro 9 nine times. Brooks currently leads all defensive players in consecutive starts, surpassing the 200 start mark late in the 2007 season.
Brooks also was named [[NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award|NFL Defensive Player of the Year]] by the [[Wikipedia:Associated Press|Associated Press]] in 2002. That The same year, Brooks returned three [[Interception (football)|interceptions]] for touchdowns in the [[2002 NFL season|regular season]], an NFL record for linebackers, and also returned a fumble for a score, for a total of an NFL record 4 four defensive touchdowns at the OLB position. In [[Super Bowl XXXVII]], his 44-yard interception return for a touchdown ensured a victory for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48–21 would go on to defeat the [[Wikipedia:Oakland Raiders|Oakland Raiders ]] 48–21 at Qualcomm Stadium (3)d[›] in San Diego, California (3).
Brooks earned [[2006 Pro Bowl]] MVP honors by returning a [['''Trent Green]] ''' pass 59 yards for a touchdown, leading the NFC to a win23-17 victory. He has also won the [[Wikipedia:Athletes in Action/Bart Starr Award|Athletes in Action/Bart Starr Award ]] in 2004 for his off -the -field accomplishments in the Tampa Bay community. The award is given annually to an NFL player who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community.
Brooks was released by the Buccaneers after 14 seasons on February 25, 2009.