The unquestioned leader of the Buccaneers and arguably the most respected player in the NFL, Derrick Brooks is a dominating linebacker who has been the cornerstone for the league's best defense of the last decade. A devoted and inspirational player who leads by example, Derrick is the ultimate professional who is a steady force on the field and in the locker room. He has been long considered as one of NFL's best linebackers and earned his 10th consecutive Pro Bowl appearance in 2006. His 10 total Pro Bowl selections set a Buccaneers record and rank him tied for second in NFL history for most consecutive Pro Bowls by a linebacker. Derrick has totaled 24 career interceptions, 21 forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 13.5 sacks, 125 passes defensed and 10 special teams tackles. He was selected by the Buccaneers in the first round (28th overall) of the 1995 draft.

Derrick is undeniably the most philanthropic athlete in the Tampa Bay community and one of the NFL's most active off the field.  He has received numerous awards for his civic work including the 2000 Walter Payton/NFL Man of the Year award (co-recipient), the 2004 Byron "Whizzer" White Award and the 2003 Bart Starr Award. In April 2006, Derrick received the prestigious J. Rex Farrior Distinguished Citizenship Award, which is presented annually to a former or current NFL player who has carried the lessons learned on the football field into a life of service to the community

In March 2003, Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc. was established. The mission of Derrick Brooks Charities is to provide educational opportunities for socio-economically challenged youth that will instill, inspire, broaden, and develop cultural and social vision outside of the walls in which they live to ensure these young people have every chance to develop into the strong and productive leaders of tomorrow. The foundation hosts an annual golf tournament, The Derrick Brooks Celebrity Classic. The foundation focuses charitable endeavors on children and has done considerable work with March of Dimes, D.A.R.E. and the Belmont Heights, Ybor City and Brandon Boys and Girls Club.  For the 10th consecutive year in 2006, Derrick hosted "Brooks Bunch," a group of 20 kids from Belmont Heights, Ybor City and Brandon Boys and Girls Club whom he invites to every Buccaneers home game.

Derrick graduated from Florida State University.  He is a member of both the Florida State University Board of Trustees and the Florida Department of Education Foundation, Derrick helped establish the Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High School in Tampa, a charter school with a mission to provide youngsters a high quality, challenging education with rigorous and relevant curricula, thereby enabling students to make valuable and productive contributions to the community. Opening in August 2007, the underlying purpose of the Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High School is to prepare all students for successful postsecondary education opportunities. 

Derrick is married to Carol and has four children: daughters, Brianna Monai and Dania Denice and sons, Derrick Brooks, Jr. and Darius Dewan.