BUCCANEERS SIGN LB DERRICK BROOKS TO A FOUR-YEAR
CONTRACT EXTENSION

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced today that they have signed LB Derrick Brooks to a four-year contract extension through the 2006 season.

The 28-year old Brooks has been selected to the past four Pro Bowls (1997-2000) and has earned All-Pro honors the past two seasons (1999-00). Brooks, who was named Tampa Bay's Most Valuable Player for the third consecutive year in 2000, has led the team in tackles for three straight seasons.

"Derrick's contributions not only include his great play on the field, but also the positive impact he makes in our community," Buccaneers general manager Rich McKay said. "At this time of year, the focus should remain on football and this extension allows us to do that."

Entering his seventh season, Brooks has totaled 942 career tackles to rank second all-time in club history. He has also posted 11 career forced fumbles, nine interceptions, 60 passes defensed, three fumble recoveries and 5.5 sacks. A native of Pensacola, Fla., Brooks has played in 96 career games with 93 starts. He has started in every game in each of the last five seasons.

Brooks was the co-recipient of the 2000 Walter Payton/NFL Man of the Year award for his off-the-field achievements. For the past five years, Brooks has accompanied his Brooks' Bunch group on an annual out-of-town trip.