ABOUT US

At Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc., we put God first in all we do and treat others the way we want to be treated. When Derrick began his NFL career in 1995, he had two goals. First, he wanted to quickly and successfully establish himself as one of the NFL's most dominant linebackers. Secondly, he wanted to establish a charitable foundation that made a difference in the fragile and impressionable lives of children. He has scored touchdowns in both areas. Brooks, known in NFL circles as one of the league's "good guys," has also been nationally recognized for his outstanding work in the Tampa Bay community. Following the 2000 regular season, Brooks received the prestigious Walter Payton/NFL Man of the Year Award, the highest charitable award annually presented by the NFL. Additionally, Brooks has also served as the United Way's Team Spokesman during both the 2000 and 2001 NFL seasons, and has been featured in the popular, long-running United Way televised commercial that are shown during commercial breaks in all NFL telecasts.

"I just didn't want to write checks, show up for press conferences, and then drive off in my SUV and never see the kids until next Thanksgiving or next Christmas," Brooks said. "I wanted something tangible. I wanted to be involved in my program in every aspect. It was my goal, hope, and mission to design an educational program that had an effect on the thoughts and actions of the young people I was working with."

What started as a day trip to a Fort Lauderdale, Florida museum has turned into numerous educational excursions that facilitate dreams, opportunities, and stretch the human imagination of impressionable young people. Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc., not only sends kids to professional football games, but it partners with other charitable organizations in the Tampa Bay area to make a difference in children's lives throughout the state of Florida. Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc., works closely with The Champions Fund, Inc., to provide recycled sports equipment for disadvantaged youth in the Tampa Bay area, and also endows scholarships for All Sports Community Service. Although several charitable projects and initiatives fall under Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc., the component receiving the most attention is the trips to exciting locations all around the world. "By investing in these children, it gives me a small influence on the leaders of tomorrow, and I thank God for that opportunity," Brooks said.