Today, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released arguably the two faces of their franchise when they released future Hall of Famers Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn. The two former Florida State footballers played the majority of their combined careers by the Bay with Dunn spending a quick sabbatical in Atlanta before returning to the Bucs.
Both Brooks and Dunn were very instrumental in Tampa’s Super Bowl run during the 2002 season culminating in a blow out win over the Oakland Raiders. Brooks, deemed too small by some NFL scouts but went on to prove his skeptics wrong by redefining the weakside linebacker position in the Tampa Two defense like LT redefined the outside linebacker position in the 3-4 defense. Brooks earned 11 Pro Bowl selections in 14 seasons, including a 10 in a row streak. Dunn was also considered too small by some NFL scouts and proved his skeptics wrong by amassing almost 11,000 rushing yards and 510 receptions in his 11 years on the gridiron.
While their playing credentials are arguably Hall of Fame worthy, these two former Seminoles are more than anything else, first ballot Hall of Fame people. Their off the field charities and community volunteer work ranks them in the All Time Greatest in NFL history. Both were recipients of the Walter Payton/NFL Man of the Year award and Athletes in Action/Bart Starr award during their star-studded careers.
I know today’s move by the team was strictly a business decision and business decisions must always come first, but I can only hope the Glazer family truly appreciates what they really had in these two remarkable human beings. I know I would. My hats off to you Derrick and Warrick on a job well done. We are all fortunate to have watched your greatness on and off the field.
Tags: Country Music, Derrick Brooks, Hall of Fame, NFL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Warrick Dunn
