Derrick Brooks Immortalized: Florida State Unveils Bronze Statue Honoring Seminoles Legend and Two-Time Consensus All-American
July 22, 2025 – Tallahassee, FL — In a ceremony rich with tradition, pride, and heartfelt celebration, Florida State University unveiled a majestic bronze statue honoring one of its greatest football legends, **Derrick Brooks**. The statue, located at the entrance of Doak Campbell Stadium, immortalizes the iconic linebacker who left an indelible mark on both FSU and college football history.
The unveiling, attended by hundreds of fans, former teammates, university officials, and members of Brooks’ family, was a moment of deep emotion and recognition for a player whose impact on the game continues to resonate decades after his playing days.
A Statue Fit for a Legend
The statue captures Brooks in full motion—eyes focused, helmet on, clutching a football in one hand while striding powerfully forward. His jersey bears the number 10, worn proudly during his time as a Seminole. Crafted from bronze and standing over 8 feet tall on a polished stone pedestal, the monument honors not just the athlete, but the leader, role model, and legacy Brooks represents.
The inscription reads:
DERRICK BROOKS
Florida State Seminoles
Consensus All-American (1993, 1994)
Set against the backdrop of the university’s signature red brick buildings and framed by Florida’s lush greenery, the statue serves as a lasting tribute to Brooks’ extraordinary college career.
“This is more than a statue,” said FSU President Richard McCullough during the ceremony. “It’s a symbol of character, integrity, and excellence. Derrick Brooks exemplified everything we want our student-athletes to be.”
A Storied Career at Florida State
Derrick Brooks played for the Florida State Seminoles from **1991 to 1994**, during one of the program’s most dominant eras under legendary coach Bobby Bowden. Originally recruited as a safety, Brooks was quickly transitioned to linebacker, where he became the heart of FSU’s defense.
Known for his speed, instincts, and leadership, Brooks was a pivotal force in guiding the Seminoles to their first national championship in **1993**, helping anchor a defense that terrorized opposing offenses.
In both **1993 and 1994**, he earned **consensus All-American honors**, making him one of the few players in school history to achieve such a feat twice. He was also a finalist for the prestigious **Butkus Award**, given to the nation’s top linebacker.
“Derrick was the kind of player every coach dreams of,” said Mickey Andrews, Brooks’ former defensive coordinator. “He was smart, tough, and relentless. He didn’t just play the game—he studied it, respected it, and elevated it.”
From Tallahassee to the Hall of Fame
After graduating from FSU with a degree in business, Brooks was selected in the first round of the **1995 NFL Draft** by the **Tampa Bay Buccaneers**, where he spent his entire 14-year professional career. He became one of the most dominant linebackers in NFL history, winning **NFL Defensive Player of the Year** in 2002 and leading the Bucs to a **Super Bowl XXXVII** victory.
Brooks was named to **11 Pro Bowls**, selected **First-Team All-Pro five times**, and was enshrined in both the **Pro Football Hall of Fame** (2014) and the **College Football Hall of Fame** (2016).
Despite his success in the NFL, Brooks has always remained deeply connected to Florida State. He returns regularly for games, donates to student-athlete programs, and serves on advisory committees for the university.
“To be honored by the school that helped shape me as a man—it means everything,” Brooks said at the ceremony. “Florida State gave me more than a football education. It gave me lifelong mentors, teammates, and a community that believed in me.”
A Symbol of More Than Just Football
Beyond his accolades on the field, Brooks is revered for his work in the community. He co-founded the **Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High School** in Tampa, a top-rated charter school, and runs various youth mentorship programs through the **Derrick Brooks Charities** foundation.
FSU also announced during the unveiling that a new annual student-athlete leadership award will be named in Brooks’ honor, recognizing players who embody character, academics, and community service.
“Derrick is a leader in every sense of the word,” said FSU Athletic Director Michael Alford. “This statue isn’t just a tribute to a football career—it’s a tribute to a life of impact.”
Emotional Moments and Reflections
As the statue was revealed, Brooks stood with his family, his eyes glistening with emotion. Former teammates, including fellow Seminole greats Warrick Dunn and Charlie Ward, embraced him and offered words of admiration.
“This moment is bigger than just me,” Brooks said. “It represents everyone who helped me along the way—my coaches, teammates, family, and the fans who cheered us on. I hope this statue inspires every young player who walks into this stadium to dream big, work hard, and never forget where they came from.”
Fans in attendance were visibly moved. One FSU alum, wearing a vintage #10 jersey, said, “I watched Derrick play in college, and he was a warrior. To see him honored like this, it’s like seeing our memories turned into bronze.”
Looking Ahead
The Derrick Brooks statue now stands alongside other FSU monuments honoring Seminole legends, but this addition feels uniquely powerful—both as a nod to the university’s golden era and as a reminder of the enduring values Brooks represents.
Plans are already underway to make the statue a centerpiece for future student-athlete tours and game-day traditions, including an annual pre-game walk where players will pass by the statue for inspiration.
As the crowd dispersed and the sun began to set behind Doak Campbell Stadium, the statue of Derrick Brooks stood tall—glowing under the golden light, a permanent reminder that greatness begins with heart, discipline, and humility.
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