Barrett Brooks's story is a compelling narrative of physical transformation, career evolution, and a dedication to personal well-being. From the gridiron to broadcasting and beyond, Brooks has navigated significant weight fluctuations, health challenges, and ultimately, a renewed focus on living a healthier life.
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Born and raised in St. Louis, Barrett Brooks's early life was marked by challenges. The oldest of three children, he took on significant responsibilities, including cooking for his family after his parents' divorce when he was just seven years old. Despite growing up in Kinloch, which had a high crime rate, Brooks found his safe ground there.
Brooks's athletic journey began with dreams of playing in the NBA, but his mother encouraged him to return to football during his senior year of high school. This decision proved pivotal, shaping his future trajectory. Brooks committed to never quitting anything again, a mindset that fueled his determination.
College Years and the Pressure to Bulk Up
As a college freshman at Kansas State, Brooks weighed 245 pounds. Encouraged to gain weight, he was given brown bags with sandwiches after dinner to help him bulk up. This marked the beginning of a long and complex relationship with food and weight, a common experience for many offensive linemen.
NFL Career: Gains and Losses
Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1995, Brooks's NFL career spanned nine seasons, including stints with the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He was built for professional football, maintaining a body fat percentage of 15 to 16 percent and bench-pressing 450 pounds. However, Brooks faced challenges with weight limits, particularly during his time with the Steelers. He recalls being fined for exceeding the maximum weight, highlighting the pressures to maintain a certain size for his position. His final season with the Steelers saw him weighing 342 pounds.
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Post-NFL Struggles and Health Concerns
After retiring from football in 2007 due to a knee injury, Brooks experienced a decline in his quality of life. His weight increased, leading to breathing problems and sleep apnea. He developed arthritis in his left knee, further impacting his mobility and overall health. At one point, he weighed 400 pounds, even reaching 430 pounds.
Brooks tried numerous diets, including South Beach, Atkins, and the cabbage diet, but found limited success. He realized he needed a more drastic intervention, acknowledging that he didn't have 20 years to lose the weight he had gained over two decades.
A Turning Point: Bariatric Surgery
On Valentine's Day, Brooks underwent a sleeve gastrectomy, a procedure that removes about two-thirds of the stomach. This surgery, performed by Marc Neff at Kennedy University Hospital-Stratford, helped Brooks reduce his stomach size and feel satiated more quickly.
The results were dramatic. Brooks dropped 50 pounds and regained his athleticism. He went from "being an athlete to a slob, and I feel like an athlete again," Brooks said. He could now dunk a basketball, something he hadn't been able to do for years.
A New Way of Life
Brooks emphasizes that bariatric surgery is not a quick fix but a catalyst for a lifestyle change. He now listens to his body and eats to live, rather than living to eat. He wants to live to see his grandkids.
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Transition to Broadcasting
After retiring from the NFL, Brooks transitioned into broadcasting. He started by doing tedious chores for NFL Playbook, eventually working his way up to a full-time content producer role. He acknowledges the challenges he faced, including fetching items for colleagues and learning the ropes of the industry.
Brooks credits Sterling Sharpe and Ron Jaworski for integrating him into NFL Matchup and giving him opportunities to showcase his knowledge of offensive line play. By 2012 and 2013, Brooks was making appearances on Daily News Live, and in 2015, he became part of Breakfast on Broad with Rob Ellis, Sarah Baicker, and Jillian Mele.
Recognition and Respect
Brooks has earned respect in the broadcasting world for his hard work, dedication, and ability to connect with viewers. Colleagues praise his work ethic and his genuine personality, noting that he is the same person on and off screen. He brings a balanced perspective to the table, particularly regarding the offensive side of the ball, and is known for his insightful analysis and likable demeanor.
The Importance of Rest and Recovery
Beyond his physical transformation and career success, Brooks's journey highlights the importance of rest and recovery. He acknowledges that he doesn't have the stamina to keep going at a breakneck pace for the (hopefully) many decades ahead in his career. This started with a mental and physical health collapse while running his first business. He emphasizes that rest is essential to reach one's full potential. The end of the year is the perfect time to take that rest and focus as hard on recovering as you normally do on working hard. When you feel the itch to “be productive,” spend time reflecting on this past year rather than jumping in to something new. To rest is human. It doesn’t make you weak. It won’t make you fall behind.
The Value of Education and Mentorship
Brooks's story underscores the value of education and mentorship. He notes the importance of critical thinking and the courage to pursue one's own path, even when it diverges from the expectations of others. He expresses gratitude for the mentors who guided him, including those who helped him break through his initial discomfort on air.
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A Coach and Guide
Today, Barrett Brooks is an executive coach and writer, guiding mission-driven founders and creators through emotional and strategic barriers to business growth. His work focuses on leaders and companies tackling critical societal issues such as climate change, biodiversity, education, food systems, healthcare, and circular products.