Keith Brooking is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. He was born on October 30, 1975, in Senoia, Georgia, and attended East Coweta High School in Sharpsburg, Georgia. Brooking played college football at Georgia Tech, where he was a standout linebacker and earned All-American honors in 1997.
Brooking was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft, and he spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the team. He quickly established himself as one of the best linebackers in the league, earning five Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors during his time in Atlanta. Brooking was known for his toughness, leadership, and versatility, as he was equally adept at stopping the run and dropping back into coverage.
In 2009, Brooking signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent, and he played three seasons with the team. He continued to be a productive player, starting all 48 games during his time in Dallas and recording over 100 tackles in each season. Brooking was also a respected leader in the Cowboys' locker room, serving as a mentor to younger players and helping to establish a winning culture.
After the 2011 season, Brooking became a free agent again and signed with the Denver Broncos. He played one final season with the team in 2012, serving primarily as a backup and special teams player. Brooking retired from the NFL after the season, finishing his career with 1,527 tackles, 21 sacks, 13 interceptions, and 7 forced fumbles.
Throughout his career, Brooking was known for his work ethic, dedication, and professionalism. He was a model teammate and leader, and he earned the respect of coaches, players, and fans alike. Brooking was also active in the community, starting the Keith Brooking Children's Foundation to help children in need.
In recognition of his outstanding career, Brooking was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2018. He remains a beloved figure in Atlanta and is remembered as one of the best linebackers in Falcons history.
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