Keith Brooking retired 13 years ago. The linebacker had a 15-year career in the NFL. In that time, he built a reputation as a franchise linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons. Here’s a look at his career and why his name is back in the spotlight this April.
Keith Brooking’s History
Brooking played for the Atlanta Falcons from 1998 through the end of the 2008 season. After that, he spent three years with the Dallas Cowboys from 2009 to 2011 and concluded his career with a one-year stint with the Denver Broncos.
He was drafted 12th overall in the 1998 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons out of Georgia Tech. Across his career, Brooking played in 225 games, totaling 22 sacks, 13 interceptions, and 1,440 tackles. In 2003, his 126 combined tackles led the NFL. Throughout his career, he was named to five Pro Bowl teams and two All-Pro teams.
He retired after his age-37 season. In 2025, Brooking is 49 years old and will turn 50 on October 30. Early in his time with the Falcons, Brooking overlapped with Deion Sanders — but only barely. Sanders left Atlanta after the 1993 season, while they drafted Brooking five years later.
Keith Brooking’s Role in the 2025 NFL Draft
The Falcons haven’t forgotten about their former star linebacker, giving him a special job at the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite retiring after the 2008 season, Brooking has been tasked with reading the names of Atlanta’s picks in the second and third rounds, according to Adam Schefter in an April 17 post on X.
Having a defensive player announce picks feels fitting, as the Falcons desperately need help on that side of the ball.
According to PFSN’s defensive rankings, Brooking’s former team ranks 29th out of 32.
With such issues, the Falcons are expected to invest significant draft capital in bolstering their defense. They can’t draft another Brooking, but they can have him announce the names of the players they hope will help turn things around.
Of course, the Falcons currently have only a second-round pick and no third-round picks. So Brooking’s time at the podium might be brief. However, if Atlanta makes any trades, he could get more action. Brooking will likely stand by for the duration of the second and third rounds just in case.
He might even get a heads-up if the Falcons plan to move into the third round to ensure he’s ready. As always, it’ll come down to how the team decides to play draft night. Will Brooking get multiple chances to announce picks? We’ll find out soon.
