Auburn Football: Top 25 Best Former Auburn Tigers in NFL History
8. James Brooks, RB
In eight pro seasons, James Brooks ran for 7,962 yards on 1,685 carries for an impressive career average of 4.7 yards per attempt. He ranks 50th on the NFL’s all-time rushing list.
A receiving threat out of the backfield, Brooks had 383 catches for 3,621 yards and twice recorded seasons with at least 50 catches and 500 receiving yards. He scored 49 touchdowns on the ground and added 30 TD grabs – second only to Frank Sanders all-time among former Auburn Tigers.
A native of Lansing, Michigan, Brooks had three seasons of 1,000 rushing yards or more – 1896, 1989 and 1990, with his best total of 1,239 yards in ’89 with the Cincinnati Bengals. In 1988, Brooks set a career high with eight touchdowns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of those four seasons.
Brooks had 3,523 yards across four seasons with the Auburn Tigers including 1,208 yards in 1979 and 1,314 yards in 1980. The all-time leader in all-purpose yards in Auburn football history (5,596), James Brooks led the NFL in all-purpose yardage in 1981 (2,093 yards) and in the strike-shortened 1982 season (1,383).
He was a first round pick of the San Diego Chargers (24th overall) in the 1981 NFL Draft and spent his first three seasons as a kick returner and backup running back before emerging as a star in Cincinnati.
Next: 7. Stephen Davis