Derrick Brooks retires from NFL

TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Linebacker Derrick Brooks, who earned 11 Pro Bowl selections in his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said he is retiring from the NFL.

Brooks, 37, hasn't played since the 2008 season, when he became part of salary-reduction efforts by Tampa Bay. He never missed a game during his 14-season career, which was all spent with the Buccaneers.

The linebacker posted a video message Wednesday announcing his retirement. In it he thanked former Tampa Bay coaches Tony Dungy and Jon Gruden, his teammates and fans.

Brooks had more than 100 tackles for 13 consecutive seasons from 1996-2008 and he owns the team record with 2,198 career tackles. He also owns team records for games played (224) and starts (221).

He had 25 interceptions, including a fourth-quarter interception returned for a touchdown that helped clinch Tampa Bay's win over Oakland in Super Bowl XXXVII.

He was named to the Pro Bowl each season from 1997-2006 and again in 2008.