Derrick Brooks has settled on the next phase of his career, at least temporarily, by joining ESPN2 as an analyst on the show "First Take."
Brooks is the most celebrated linebacker in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history, but he was released by the team after last season. He talked with the New Orleans Saints and, earlier this week, the Chicago Bears about continuing his playing career but never received a contract offer.
"While I still feel like I can play in the NFL, I'm excited to be a part of ESPN's NFL coverage where I have a lot of former teammates," Brooks said in a news release from ESPN. "I look forward to the exposure this opportunity will bring as I share my knowledge and perspective of the game on 'First Take.'"
This does not signal a retirement from the NFL, Brooks insisted.
"No, I am still pursuing playing," Brooks said in a text message to Tampa Tribune beat writer Roy Cummings. "Might as well get media reps while I wait. Taking advantage of my down time."
Brooks said he has had a lot of discussions in recent weeks and days with teams interested in signing him but is waiting for the right situation.
"I'm always setting up my life after football; TV is a possibility," Brooks said in another text message. "My agent is talking to teams daily. I told ESPN I would do this until I signed with a team. I am not retired, trust me."
Brooks was the 2002 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, including 10 consecutive seasons from 1996-2007.
He will work primarily Thursdays and Fridays on the ESPN2 show, paired with former NFL standout Lomas Brown. He joins ex-Bucs Keyshawn Johnson, Trent Dilfer, Brown and former coach Jon Gruden at the network.
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