[2] As a sophomore, he started the first 4 games at defensive tackle for the 1982 Michigan Wolverines football team, before a knee injury against the University of Indiana sidelined him for 4 contests.
As a junior, he started all 12 games at defensive tackle for the 1983 Michigan team that compiled a 9–3 record and was ranked #8 in the final AP Poll.
[6] During his college career at Michigan, Brooks recorded 156 tackles, two pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.
His best game came against the Houston Oilers, when he replaced an injured Jim Jeffcoat in the second half, making 4 tackles and one sack.
In 1986, he competed with John Dutton for the left defensive tackle position, but suffered a dislocated knee cap in the preseason game against the San Diego Chargers.
[11] In 1989, the Denver Broncos moved Brooks to defensive end and lasted just a few months before being released on September 4.
[citation needed] On September 11, 1989, he signed with the Detroit Lions and was named the starting right defensive end after Keith Ferguson was injured.
He underwent a gastric sleeve weight-loss procedure, lost 110 pounds, and became a celebrity spokesperson for The Alexander Center for Obesity Surgery in Dallas.