Karl Brooks
Karl Dermarad Brooks is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He played college football for the Bowling [Green Falcons football|Bowling Green Falcons].
Early life
Brooks grew up in Lansing, Michigan, and went to J. W. Sexton High School. He initially committed to play college football at Division II Grand Valley State but later changed his commitment to Bowling Green after receiving a later offer from the program.College career
In his collegiate career Brooks totaled 167 tackles, 46 being for a loss, 27.5 sacks, one interception, five pass deflections, five forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. In the 2021 season he was named third team all-Mid-American Conference. His best collegiate year occurred in 2022 where he recorded 50 tackles, 18 going for a loss, 10 sacks, four pass deflections, a fumble recovery, and two forced fumbles. He was also named first-team all-MAC.Brooks was projected to be a fourth to fifth round pick in the 2023 [NFL draft].
Professional career
Brooks was selected in the sixth round, 179th overall, by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft. He signed his rookie contract on May 5.On November 17, 2024, against divisional rivals the Chicago Bears in Week 11, Brooks blocked Chicago's game-winning field goal attempt from kicker Cairo Santos as time expired in regulation to preserve a Packers' 20–19 victory and improve their record to 7–3. For this, Brooks was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. His field goal block prevented the Packers from finishing 0–6 against the NFC North division, as they went on to finish the season 1–5 against the division.