An FSU football legend was recognized by the NCAA during the women's college basketball NCAA Tournament's Final Four on Friday.
Derrick Brooks, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, was recognized in between the first and second quarters of the UConn-UCLA women's basketball game at Amalie Arena, along with four other awardees.
Brooks, with the other four, received the Legends and Legacy Community Award from the NCAA as the 2025 Tampa Honorees. Also receiving the award were Thaddeus Bullard, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Hillsborough County's Gwen Myers and USF's former Senior Associate AD and Interim Director of Athletics, Barbara Sparks-McGlinchy.
Brooks, who is from Pensacola, currently serves as the executive vice president of corporate and community development for the Vinik Sports Group in Tampa.
The award from the NCAA honors "living legends," according to the NCAA website, "who have committed their time, resources, and influence to improve and invest in their local communities.
"Acknowledging and celebrating their determination to make a difference. This award is bestowed on individuals who exemplify selflessness and strives for excellence," NCAA's website states. "Concerned citizens who render extraordinary and valuable service within the local community of the Final Four host cities for the Men's and Women's Basketball Championship."
Brooks is the founder of Derrick Brooks Charities. In Tampa, he's been recognized as a Community Hero by the Tampa Bay Lightning among several other prestigious awards, such as the Walton Payton NFL Man of the Year award.
"The 2025 Legends and Legacy Community Award is an honor for local citizens whose investments and generosity have lasting positive change within their cities," said Felicia Martin, NCAA senior vice president. "This year's recipients are true champions for their hometowns – committed to doing something good for their neighborhoods, dedicated to creating opportunities for fellow citizens and passionate about serving their community in unique and meaningful ways."
