Rodney Brooks
Class of 2005
Rodney “Rod” Brooks grew up in Huntsville and built a football career that carried him from local youth leagues to the ranks of the finest players in the history of the University of North Alabama.
Born in Huntsville in 1960, Brooks spent his entire youth in Madison County, where he first developed his athletic abilities through the city’s youth sports programs. He continued to excel at Chapman Middle School, participating in football, basketball and baseball.
Brooks’ football career reached another level at Lee High School. Playing both quarterback and defensive back, he was a three-year starter and one of the most respected players on the Generals’ roster. At the conclusion of his senior season, Brooks was named the team’s Most Outstanding Back and was elected permanent team captain.
After drawing interest from several colleges, Brooks accepted a football scholarship to the University of North Alabama in 1980. Over the next four seasons he established himself as one of the Lions’ most accomplished defensive players.
His breakout year came in 1982, when his performance against Troy State earned him Gulf South Conference Player of the Week honors. That season he was named first-team All-Gulf South Conference and also received honorable mention All-American recognition.
Brooks continued his outstanding play during his senior season in 1983, once again earning All-Gulf South Conference honors. His teammates selected him as the team’s Most Outstanding Back that year.
During Brooks’ career at North Alabama, the Lions compiled an impressive record of 36–8–1 and captured two conference championships. Brooks set school records that still stand, including eight interceptions in a single season and 17 interceptions during his career.
Brooks was later named to North Alabama’s 50th Anniversary Team and was inducted into the UNA Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004.
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