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By Jon Paul Hoornstra
Contributing Sports Writer
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Chet Brooks, a standout defensive back for the San Francisco 49ers who recorded an interception in Super Bowl XXIV, died following a cancer battle. He was 60.
Although his NFL career was limited to three seasons by an injury, Brooks collected his second Super Bowl ring by helping the 49ers defeat the Denver Broncos 55-6 on Jan. 28, 1990. He was a backup the previous year as a rookie, and did not play in Super Bowl XXIII when the 49ers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 20-16.
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Brooks originally joined the Texas A&M football team as a walk-on out of David W. Carter High School. Not only did he become a four-year starter, Brooks lettered from 1984-87 and was inducted into the school's Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.
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Brooks was chosen second-team All-Southwestern Conference in 1987. He is credited with dubbing the Aggies' defense coached by R.C. Slocum, and then Bob Davie, the "Wrecking Crew."
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The 49ers selected Brooks in the 11th round (303rd overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft. He saw action in 10 games as a rookie, but did not suit up in the playoffs as the 49ers won their first Super Bowl following three consecutive early exits.
Brooks replaced Jeff Fuller as the 49ers' starting strong safety in 1989. He started 15 of 16 games on a defense that allowed the third-fewest points of any team that season.
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In the playoffs, Brooks recorded an interception in the 49ers' opening-round victory over the Minnesota Vikings. His pickoff of John Elway in the Super Bowl was one of two thrown by the future Hall of Fame quarterback.
Brooks suffered a career-ending injury during the 49ers’ game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Nov. 4, 1990.
After retiring, Brooks returned to his home state of Texas, where he was a celebrated youth sports coach. Brooks was inducted into the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame in December 2009.
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