The South Florida Bulls are having a great season on the field.  It has translated into success off the field, as they have made a host of new additions to their administrative unit. Now they have brought in legendary Buccaneer, Hall of Famer, and linebacker Derrick Brooks as their new COO. Brooks comes with a treasure trove of experience, having served as an administrator and a player at the highest levels of the football hierarchy.

Derrick Brooks took to X to express his elation at getting the role and his determination to serve the South Florida Bulls well. His tweet read, “Tampa Bay isn’t just where I played… It’s where I built my life, raised my family, and invested in the next generation. Now, I’m proud to continue that mission as COO of @USFAthletics. Let’s elevate this program and this city together.”

His comments about building his life and raising his family come from the fact that he spent 14 years playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Also, his daughter is a part of the USF softball team and plays as an infielder there. This showcases the roots he and his family have established in Tampa over the years. By joining the University’s administrative branch, he has further strengthened the bonds with the city.

Derrick Brooks’ commitment to investing in the next generation is evident from all the philanthropic work he has done. Through the Derrick Brooks Charity, he has provided educational opportunities to a host of underprivileged youth. While the foundation has worked extensively on improving juvenile justice and rehabilitation programs. Additionally, he co-founded the Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High School in 2007, offering tuition-free college preparation to 600 diverse students. His work in the community has further deepened his bond with them all while earning him numerous awards and recognitions. All this has added to his popularity among the residents of the Tampa Bay area.

Now, his new role as the COO of USF has directly aligned his institutional responsibilities with his life’s mission. He will be overseeing community engagement while managing football and men’s basketball administration. This would allow him to shape the future of the kids he has been helping through his foundation. His previous experience included serving as the VP of Vinik Sports Group, as well as other business and sports ventures. This would, in turn, help him secure better sponsorship and corporate deals, thereby benefiting both the college and the broader community.

Tampa celebrates the homecoming of a hometown legend

Derrick Brooks’ appointment as the COO of the USF Bulls is more than a corporate appointment. His appointment has the entire Tampa Bay Area excited, while they hope for an even better future. So much so that the fans of the USF Bulls have flooded the internet with messages of congratulations. As one fan reminisced about his meeting with the hometown hero. His post read, “I met Derrick Brooks once, at a Booker T. Washington high school football game in Pensacola, where he grew up. He is such a kind and compassionate person. USF is blessed to have him as its COO.”

While others talked about his career and future impact, one user pointed out his service to the community. As he said, “Your Hall of Fame career was great, but Brooks Bunch is your greatest work. Love that you are still making a difference.” Further showcasing the good that he has done through his foundation. While another expressed their happiness by saying, “I’m thrilled. You’re going to be instrumental in elevating USF athletics to another level. Very lucky to have you. Tampa Bay in general.” Underlining the hope locals have in him to elevate the program.

Another ex-alum wished him success with a message that read, “As a 38-year resident of Tampa Bay and FSU alumni (like you) still wish you all the best with the USF Bulls program. No doubt you will be a great success as always!” While others congratulated him and wished him luck in his new role. “Congrats, champ! You will always be my favorite player to suit up in pewter and red!” a fan posted while revealing Brooks as his all-time favorite player.