3. Derrick Brooks
I think you all remember this guy. Derrick Brooks was the 28th pick overall by the Bucs in the 1995 draft and he remained with the team through his final season of 2008. He became the starter in his rookie season and started 13 games. He posted 79 tackles, one sack and two forced fumbles. He established his dominance in 1996 with 133 total tackles and his first interception.
Beginning in 1997 and going through 2008, Brooks missed the Pro Bowl only once (2007). That’s ten straight appearances and 11 out of his final 12 seasons. He also was chosen first team All-Pro five times. Brooks was the model of consistency, never dropping below 100 tackles in a season until 2008. He may not have put up the flashy numbers in the pass rush that another member of the team did, but he was always around the football making the play.
Brooks made his presence felt in the Super Bowl win over the Oakland Raiders, taking a Rich Gannon interception back 44 yards for a score to put his team up 41-21 late in the fourth quarter.
It was a great career, with 1,710 career tackles, 13.5 sacks, 25 interceptions, 24 forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.