Aaron Lafette Brooks (born March 24, 1976 in Newport News, Virginia) is an American football quarterback in the NFL, who currently is a free agent. Brooks attended the University of Virginia. He is also the cousin of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and to former Miami Dolphins wide receiver/quarterback Marcus Vick. He formerly played for the Green Bay Packers; the New Orleans Saints, where he was the starting quarterback for six years; and the Oakland Raiders. is the 83rd day of the year (84th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1976 (MCMLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Location in the State of Virginia Coordinates: , Country United States State Virginia County Independent city Incorporated 1896 Government  - Mayor Joe Frank Area  - City  119. ... In American football, each team has 11 players on the field at one time. ... Navy quarterback Aaron Polanco sets up to throw. ... This is a list of athletic conferences of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). ... The University of Virginia (also called U.Va. ... The NFL Draft (officially the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting[1]) is an annual sports draft in which National Football League (NFL) teams take turns selecting amateur college American football players and other first-time eligible players. ... The 1999 NFL Draft In this draft, the number of picks per round increased from 30 to 31 due to the reinstatement of the Cleveland Browns. ... This is a list of individual National Football League records. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The 1999 Green Bay Packers season was the first and last season for head coach Ray Rhodes. ... City Green Bay, Wisconsin Team colors Dark Green, Maize, and White Head Coach Mike McCarthy Owner 111,967 stockholders (Green Bay Packers Foundation) Chairman Bob Harlan General manager Ted Thompson Fight song Go! You Packers! Go! League/Conference affiliations Independent (1919-1920) National Football League (1921–present) Western Division (1933... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... City Oakland, California Other nicknames The Silver and Black Team colors Silver and Black Head Coach Lane Kiffin Owner Al Davis General manager Al Davis League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960–1969) Western Division (1960–1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference (1970–present) AFC West (1970... is the 83rd day of the year (84th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1976 (MCMLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Location in the State of Virginia Coordinates: , Country United States State Virginia County Independent city Incorporated 1896 Government  - Mayor Joe Frank Area  - City  119. ... United States simply as football, is a competitive team sport that is both fast-paced and strategic. ... Navy quarterback Aaron Polanco sets up to throw. ... NFL logo For other uses of the abbreviation NFL, see NFL (disambiguation). ... The University of Virginia (also called U.Va. ... “Nephew” redirects here. ... City Atlanta, Georgia Team colors Black, Red, and White Head Coach Bobby Petrino Owner Arthur Blank General manager Rich McKay Mascot Freddie Falcon League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1966–present) Eastern Conference (1966) Western Conference (1967-69) Coastal Division (1967-1969) National Football Conference (1970-present) NFC West (1970... Michael Dwayne Vick (born June 26, 1980 in Newport News, Virginia) is an American football quarterback for the National Football Leagues Atlanta Falcons franchise. ... City Miami Gardens, Florida Other nicknames The Fins Team colors Aqua, Coral, White and Navy Head Coach Cam Cameron Owner H. Wayne Huizenga General manager Randy Mueller Mascot T.D. League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1966-1969) Eastern Division (1966-1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference... The wide receiver (WR) position in American and Canadian football is the pass-catching specialist. ... Navy quarterback Aaron Polanco sets up to throw. ... Marcus Deon Vick (born March 20, 1984 in Newport News, Virginia) is an American football wide receiver/quarterback who is currently a free agent. ... City Green Bay, Wisconsin Team colors Dark Green, Maize, and White Head Coach Mike McCarthy Owner 111,967 stockholders (Green Bay Packers Foundation) Chairman Bob Harlan General manager Ted Thompson Fight song Go! You Packers! Go! League/Conference affiliations Independent (1919-1920) National Football League (1921–present) Western Division (1933... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... City Oakland, California Other nicknames The Silver and Black Team colors Silver and Black Head Coach Lane Kiffin Owner Al Davis General manager Al Davis League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960–1969) Western Division (1960–1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference (1970–present) AFC West (1970...

Childhood, high school

Aaron Brooks grew up in a financially disadvantaged family in Newport News, Virginia. He was written about surviving through the benefits of food stamps and free school lunches, and growing up on public assistance as the youngest of three children.

Aaron and his four year younger cousin Michael Vick, who lived in a public housing project in Newport New's East End neighborhood, spent a lot of time as youths together at the Hampton Roads Boys and Girls Club. He played high school football, and graduated from Homer L. Ferguson High School in Newport News. He was awarded a scholarship to attend the University of Virginia. Michael Dwayne Vick (born June 26, 1980 in Newport News, Virginia) is an American football quarterback for the National Football Leagues Atlanta Falcons franchise. ... Ferguson High School was formerly a high school in Newport News, Virginia, named for Homer L. Ferguson, president of Newport News Shipbuilding from 22 July 1915 until 31 July 1946. ... The University of Virginia (also called U.Va. ...

College career

After high school, Brooks decided to play at the University of Virginia. redshirted his true freshman year and received no meaningful playing time in 1995. He competed with fifth year senior Tim Sherman, whose father was wide receivers coach at Virginia, for the starting quarterback job in 1996. The Cavaliers were returning defensive standouts such as Jamie Sharper, James Farrior, Ronde Barber . The offense was led by running back Tiki Barber, Ronde's identical twin brother. The coaching staff made Sherman, who had played well against Virginia Tech in 1995 after starter Mike Groh went down to injury, the primary quarterback instead of the inexperienced Brooks. Nonetheless, Brooks received playing time in nearly all games and was the primary quarterback in a few. Inconsistent quarterback play by both Brooks and Sherman led to an underachieving season, and Virginia fans to this day still debate the 1996 quarterback controversy. The University of Virginia (also called U.Va. ... In college sports, a player may redshirt one athletic season. ... Jerry Rice holds many career records for wide receivers in the National Football League. ... Harry James Sharper, Jr. ... James Farrior (January 6, 1975, Richmond, Virginia) is an American football player who currently plays as an inside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He played college football at the University of Virginia, and played with the New York Jets from 1997 to 2001. ... Jamael Orondé Barber (born April 7, 1975 in Roanoke, Virginia) is an American football player who currently plays as a cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the NFL. He is the identical twin brother of New York Giants running back Tiki Barber. ... Atiim Kiambu Tiki Barber (born April 7, 1975 in Roanoke, Virginia) is a news and sports broadcaster, author, and former American football running back for the New York Giants. ... This article or section should include material from Virginia Bioinformatics Institute. ...

Brooks was the unquestioned starter in 1997. Both Brooks and the team struggled in the early part of the season but surged late to finish 7-4. The Cavaliers, however, were not invited to a bowl game. In 1998, the team got off to a strong start and was briefly in the top ten. The highlight of the year, and Brooks' career, was the season finale at Virginia Tech. The Cavaliers were down 29-7 at halftime, but Brooks led the biggest comeback in school history in the 36-32 victory. The final regular season record was 9-2. The Cavaliers narrowly lost 35-33 to Georgia in a thriller at the Peach Bowl. The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl is an annual college football bowl game played in Atlanta, Georgia since December, 1968. ...

NFL career

First drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1999, Brooks began the beginning of his career as a backup to Brett Favre, taking no snaps during the regular season. In New Orleans, Brooks became one of the NFL's leaders in game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime with 16 (behind only Tom Brady), including five in 2004. Brooks took over as the starter in 2000 in relief of the injured Jeff Blake in Week 11 (vs. Oakland, 2000-11-19), started the following week and took every snap until the last month of the 2005 campaign, when he was benched. Brooks played in 72 regular-season games with the Saints, including starting the last 69 contests. His 441 passing yards vs. Denver (2000-12-03) was the highest single-game total in franchise history until Drew Brees surpassed it with throwing for 510 yards on November 19, 2006, and Brooks is also the only Saints quarterback to rush for over 100 yards in a contest (108 vs. San Francisco, 2000-12-10). In 2004, Brooks set club marks for attempts (60) and completions (34) in a contest. Brett Lorenzo Favre (pronounced Farv) was born on October 10, 1969 in Gulfport, Mississippi. ... Thomas Edward Brady, Jr. ... Jeff Bertrand Coleman Blake (born December 4, 1970 in Daytona Beach, Florida) is a retired American football quarterback who played in the NFL. Although he finished his career with the Chicago Bears, he was formerly a quarterback for the New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Arizona... City Oakland, California Other nicknames The Silver and Black Team colors Silver and Black Head Coach Lane Kiffin Owner Al Davis General manager Al Davis League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960–1969) Western Division (1960–1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference (1970–present) AFC West (1970... 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 323rd day of the year (324th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 337th day of the year (338th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... is the 323rd day of the year (324th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays full 2006 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... City San Francisco, California Other nicknames Niners, The Red And Gold, Bay Bombers Team colors Cardinal red, metallic gold and black Head Coach Mike Nolan Owner Denise DeBartolo York and John York General manager Lal Heneghan Mascot Sourdough Sam League/Conference affiliations All-America Football Conference (1946-1949) Western Division... 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 10 is the 344th day (345th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar, 21 days before the next year. ...

Unfortunately for Brooks, the high point in his career with the Saints came very early. Brooks led the turnaround of the Saints in the 2000 season, his first with the franchise. In the previous season, the Saints were 3-13. In 2000, the Saints not only made the playoffs with a 10-6 record, but defeated the defending Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams, 31-28. Brooks threw four touchdown passes in the game. The Saints then lost to the Minnesota Vikings in their final playoff game of that season. The winning Super Bowl team receives the Vince Lombardi Trophy. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... City Minneapolis, Minnesota Other nicknames The Vikes, The Purple People Eaters Team colors Purple, Gold, and White Head Coach Brad Childress Owner Zygi Wilf General manager Rob Brzezinski Fight song Skol, Vikings Mascot Ragnar League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1961–present) Western Conference (1961-1969) Central Division (1967-1969...

In 2001, the Saints only went 7-9, largely due to a lack of productivity from running back Ricky Williams. Errick Lynne Williams, Jr. ...

In 2002, Deuce McAllister replaced Williams, and the running game improved. Brooks led the Saints to a 6-1 record before the team imploded the second half of the season. The Saints proceeded to split the next six games. At 9-4, their last three games were against the Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals, and Carolina Panthers, all long since eliminated from playoff contention. With only one victory out of those three games required to reach the postseason, the Saints gave up a touchdown and two point conversion to lose at home to Minnesota, couldn't stop the 1-13 Bengals' running game led by fullback Nick Luchey, and fell flat on their face against Carolina, wasting their best defensive effort of the season (After giving up 20 or more points in each of their previous 15 games, the Saints only allowed 10) by only scoring two field goals at home in a 10-6 loss. Brooks was humiliated by the sellout crowd in the Louisiana Superdome that day, as they chanted "We Want Jake" (in reference to backup QB Jake Delhomme). To add salt to the wound, Delhomme signed with the Panthers in the offseason and led the team to the Super Bowl, coming up short to the New England Patriots. Dulymus Jenod (Deuce) McAllister (born December 27, 1978 in Lena, Mississippi) is an American football player, currently playing as a running back for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. // The most decorated player from the University of Mississippi since the days of former Saints quarterback Archie Manning at the... City Minneapolis, Minnesota Other nicknames The Vikes, The Purple People Eaters Team colors Purple, Gold, and White Head Coach Brad Childress Owner Zygi Wilf General manager Rob Brzezinski Fight song Skol, Vikings Mascot Ragnar League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1961–present) Western Conference (1961-1969) Central Division (1967-1969... Information in this article or section has not been verified against sources and may not be reliable. ... City Charlotte, North Carolina Other nicknames The Cardiac Cats Team colors Black, Panther Blue, and Silver Head Coach John Fox Owner Jerry Richardson General manager Marty Hurney Mascot Sir Purr League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1995–present) National Football Conference (1995-present) NFC West (1995-2001) NFC South (2002... Nick Luchey (born James Nicolas Williams March 30, 1977 in Farmington Hills, Michigan) is an American football fullback for the Green Bay Packers of the NFL. He was originally selected in the fifth round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals out of the University of Miami. ... Superdome redirects here. ... Jake Christopher Delhomme (born January 10, 1975 in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana) is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers NFL franchise. ... Date February 1, 2004 Stadium Reliant Stadium City Houston, Texas MVP Tom Brady, Quarterback Favorite Patriots by 7 National anthem Beyoncé Coin toss Earl Campbell, Ollie Matson, Don Maynard, Y.A. Tittle, Mike Singletary, Gene Upshaw Referee Ed Hochuli Halftime show Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Outkast, P. Diddy, Kid Rock... City Foxborough, Massachusetts Other nicknames The Pats Team colors Nautical Blue, New Century Silver, Red, and White Head Coach Bill Belichick Owner Robert Kraft General manager Bill Belichick Mascot Pat Patriot League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960–69) Eastern Division (1960–69) National Football League (1970–present) American Football...

Brooks' decision making, showcased in an infamous backwards pass thrown to an offensive lineman in a 2004 loss in San Diego, was the target of criticism from New Orleans fans, and is among the many reasons that he is not mentioned among the upper echelon of quarterbacks in the NFL.

On March 16, 2006, after sitting on the bench the last several full games of the season, he was released by the Saints, after they signed former San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees who went on to become the number one rated QB in the NFL in 2006 as well as leading the Saints to a first round bye in the playoffs and a division title. Meanwhile, Brooks played in only eight games during the Oakland Raiders' dismal 2-14 season. Oakland ended the season with nine straight losses. March 16 is the 75th day of the year (76th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays full 2006 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... City San Diego, California Other nicknames Bolts, Super Chargers Team colors Navy Blue, White, and Gold Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer Owner Alex Spanos George Pernicano (Minority owner (3%)) General manager A.J. Smith Fight song San Diego Super Chargers League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960-1969) Western Division (1960... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... General definition of saint In general, the term Saint refers to someone who is exceptionally virtuous and holy. ... City Oakland, California Other nicknames The Silver and Black Team colors Silver and Black Head Coach Lane Kiffin Owner Al Davis General manager Al Davis League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960–1969) Western Division (1960–1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference (1970–present) AFC West (1970...

On February 22nd, 2007, the Oakland Raiders declined to reinstate Brooks for a second season.

Timeline

In 2003, Brooks threw the famous "cell phone" touchdown to Joe Horn in which Horn put a cell phone under the goal post and solidified himself as one of the most flamboyant receivers in the league. Horn earned a $25,000 fine for his antics. However, things only got sour for the Brooks and the Saints the following week after a bitter loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. A fierce close game came down to the Saints executing a 5 lateral, miracle play started by a Brooks pass, dubbed "The River City Relay." The joy was short lived however, as kicker John Carney inexplicably botched the subsequent extra point that would have sent the game into overtime. Another Saints season had ended without a playoff appearance. Joseph Horn (born January 16, 1972 in New Haven, Conn. ... The River City Relay is a famous play in a National Football League game involving the New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars that took place on December 21, 2003 in Jacksonville, Florida. ... John Michael Carney (born April 4, 1964 in Hartford, Connecticut) is an American football placekicker. ...

In 2004, after a 4-8 start, Brooks led the Saints on a 4-win streak to finish the season, reaching the brink of the playoffs, but tiebreakers did the Saints in, even though they were hottest team in the NFC at the season's end. National Football Conference logo. ...

On December 13, 2005, after a loss on national television to the Atlanta Falcons, the Saints benched Brooks and announced Todd Bouman as the team's starter for the last three games of the season. Thus ended Brooks' reign of horror for Saints' fans. December 13 is the 347th day of the year (348th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... City Atlanta, Georgia Team colors Black, Red, and White Head Coach Bobby Petrino Owner Arthur Blank General manager Rich McKay Mascot Freddie Falcon League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1966–present) Eastern Conference (1966) Western Conference (1967-69) Coastal Division (1967-1969) National Football Conference (1970-present) NFC West (1970... Todd Bouman is a quarterback for the NFLs New Orleans Saints. ...

After being released by the New Orleans Saints for Drew Brees, Aaron Brooks was signed by the Oakland Raiders on March 22, 2006. He was the starter going into training camp. In his first regular season game as a Raider, he was sacked 9 times by the San Diego Chargers in a 27-0 shut-out loss. Brooks dislocated his shoulder in his second game against the Baltimore Ravens and missed the next several weeks. Second-year quarterback Andrew Walter started the next seven games for Oakland. There was some speculation that Brooks' injury was not as serious as reported and that he was really being benched in favor of Walter. After a 2-5 record over that span and even worse quarterback play from the first-time starter, a healthy Brooks was bumped back into the starter's role. Despite slightly improved play, Brooks was unable to lead the defensive Raiders to very much success, as Oakland's 2006 season was universally viewed as a disaster. They finished with an abysmal league worst 2-14 record. Brooks was quoted as saying Art Shell should not take the blame for such a terrible excuse for a football team, that "I blame the players." is the 81st day of the year (82nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays full 2006 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

On February 22, 2007, Brooks was released by the Raiders, when they did not pick up his option.

On August 3,2007 Brooks tries a workout with the steelers and the steelers are offering him a contract.

External links

• Pro-Football-Reference.com - career statistics.
• More Career Stats
• Aaron Brooks at NFL.com
• Aaron Brooks fantasy news and stats from Sandbox Fantasy News
• Aaron Brooks Bio at New Orleans Saints.com