Faith, family and Jonathon Brooks

Friday night in his hometown of Hallettsville, Texas, Jonathon Brooks awaited his 2024 NFL Draft selection. Just under 100 miles from Austin, where he was recruited by The University of Texas to play football just over three years ago, he once again leaned on his faith encircled by family as he awaited to learn the path he was destined to follow.   

This just 24 weeks since the nation watched his collegiate career quickly ascend where Brooks earned 1,139 rushing yards in 10 games with an average 6.1 yards per carry after he patiently waited his turn and was a student of Bijan Robinson in 2022 who started 12 games that season earning 1,580 years averaging 6.3 yards per carry, respectively. As a sophomore, CJ Baxter earned the start but after falling to an injury in the first game, the baton quickly passed to Brooks.  In 2023 he not only led the Texas Longhorns in rushing but he was on pace to eclipse some of Texas’ greats and his offensive prowess contributed to the team’s most competitive season since 2009.  

Then on November 11 in Texas’ game versus TCU the 2023 Doak Walker Award semifinalist suffered a heartbreaking, season-ending ACL injury seemingly derailing his moment in collegiate history.  However, in nothing short of awe-inspiring, Brooks pivoted over another hurdle of fierce adversity, one with which he had become all too familiar after losing his father in March 2022, and persevered to become the first running back selected in the 2024 draft only six months from that fateful injury.

For all who succumb to an ACL injury, repair and recovery, the last and most important phase is not only physical, but the mental game is an equal battle to not only survive, but to rise and thrive.  A finalist for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, in describing his recovery Brooks told HornSports it was his “relationship with God, becoming stronger and being intentional” and crediting the support and help he received from his “family, friends and teammates”.  It is not uncommon to hear testimonials from people of great faith to reflect on encounters of trial and tribulation across their lives as a “blessing in disguise because it allowed [one] to build a relationship with God” but hearing those words from a 20-year old Brooks, a man who has suffered immense loss, underscores the strength and character many witnessed from the sidelines and beyond.

As Mr. Brooks closes one chapter he recounted his favorite memory at The University of Texas with HornSports, once again showcasing his humility, as “going to the Playoffs with such a great team that bonded so well and always could rely on each other.”  This from a man who didn’t get to be the star in the final stretch but had the maturity to recognize his own growth and the fleeting moment of a real brotherhood so few ever experience, much less appreciate.  

The Carolina Panthers will welcome a man who is grounded by his faith and surrounded by family, but also one who in one word describes himself as “passionate”. Noting that “even through all the rough things I’ve been through in my life, my love for the game has never changed and it’s what makes me happy.”  May all be so brave to never give up even when it can feel like there is nothing left to give.