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Baltimore Ravens assistant coach Clarence Brooks died Saturday morning after a battle with esophageal and stomach cancer. He was 65. Brooks, the Ravens' longest-tenured assistant coach, passed away at a hospital in Weston, Fla., the team announced. He went public with his diagnoses last December.
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Brooks -- referred to by most as "C.B." -- originally joined the organization in 2005 and served 11 seasons as defensive line coach. This past spring while undergoing treatment for his illness, he transitioned into a senior defensive assistant role but still spent time working with players and coaches, including during the Ravens' recent training camp.
"We knew he loved his players," his wife Justa said Saturday morning. "Through all of this, we've found out how much his players loved him. We thank everyone for the loving support."
Brooks was a 24-year NFL coaching veteran and one of six assistant coaches retained by head coach John Harbaugh upon his 2008 arrival in Baltimore.
"Our heartfelt condolences and love go out to Justa and the Brooks family on the passing of Clarence," Harbaugh said in a statement. "We loved that man! He is at peace now through the grace of Jesus Christ. He fought the good fight and won. One of the finest coaches I have ever met, he changed the lives and influenced players and coaches for the better. He was a great man, loving husband and devoted father. He was as tough and determined in adversity as you'll ever see and as loyal a friend as there is. 'C.B.' will forever walk as a loved and cherished member of the Ravens family."
During Brooks' Baltimore tenure as defensive line coach (2005-15), the Ravens allowed the NFL's fewest rushing touchdowns (89), second-fewest points per game (18.9) and the league's second-fewest rushing yards per game (94.2).
"Very few, if any, coaches influenced their players -- on and off the field -- like Clarence Brooks," general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "How fortunate are the Ravens to have had this special person in our lives for the past 12 years? He was a teacher, a friend, a father figure to many and a great football coach. A lot of our defensive success over the years is due to his ability to get the most out of his players on the defensive line. This is a sad, sad day for our team and extended family. Our hearts ache for Justa and the rest of Clarence's family."
Brooks also coached for the Miami Dolphins (2000-04), Cleveland Browns (1999) and Chicago Bears (1993-98). He spent 17 years in the collegiate ranks, holding coaching positions at Arizona (1990-92), Syracuse (1981-89) and Massachusetts (1976-80).
Brooks is survived by wife Justa, son Jason -- who is the tight ends coach at Florida International and was an assistant on the Ravens' coaching staff for four seasons (2009-12) -- daughter Adrienne, granddaughter Aviana and grandson Avery.
"This morning, the Bisciottis are so sad to hear about Clarence's passing," Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said. "He was the sweetest man I've ever met in football. He was also as tough as nails and was as respected by everyone on our team as any coach who ever touched the Ravens. His impact was more than people on the outside could know. He will be so missed."
Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs said, "Clarence Brooks was a rare, special coach. We had a relationship that became more than football; he was family. He was every bit the definition of the word 'coach.' He was firm and demanding when he needed to be, but was a father figure and caring at the same time. I will definitely miss my friend."
Defensive tackle Brandon Williams said, "Coach Brooks was like a father figure to me and every other player he coached. He made me the player I am today, but more importantly, helped me to be the man I am today. He always got the best out of you. He saw the potential in every player and did everything in his power to help you be the best you could be -- on and off the field. Every day I walked in this building, no matter what was going on, he could always make me smile. I will miss him, and my heart goes out to the entire Brooks family."
