Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks acknowledged that his playing days are likely over. Brooks made 10 straight Pro Bowls, and was the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2002 when the Bucs won the Super Bowl. Last February before free agency Brooks was released by Tampa Bay.

"You always keep your door open, but realistically, how good does the situation have to be for me to play again?'' Brooks told The Tampa Tribune during lunch at one of the Bay area's most exclusive golf clubs. "I just know that situation hasn't occurred, and it if doesn't, you close the book and you move on. To me, I have no problems doing that.''

Source: Tampa Tribune - Ira Kaufman

PewterReport.com's Take: The NFL provides players with harsh realities every year. Even future Hall-of-Famers like Derrick Brooks aren't immune to slowing down with age. Last year a few teams sniffed around Brooks: the New Orleans Saints, Oakland Raiders, and Chicago Bears. While Brooks wanted to keep playing no team offered him a contract.