He recorded two touchdown receptions as a freshman — including a 28-yard game-tying score against Auburn in the Iron Bowl –but Ja’Corey Brooks captured a very special moment on Tuesday.
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Larry Fitzgerald, an NFL legend, came to Tuscaloosa to talk to the Crimson Tide. Fitzgerald, 38, is a future first ballot Hall of Fame wide receiver. His 16-year career, which started in 2004, came with the Arizona Cardinals. After an incredible collegiate tenure at Pittsburgh, Fitzgerald would accomplish several feats in the National Football League. He was an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, first-team All-Pro honoree (2008), two-time NFL receptions leader, two-time NFL receiving yards leader, Walter Payton Man of the Year (2016), NFL 2010s All-Decade Team member, and NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team member.
Fitzgerald became known for his crisp routes, reliable hands, attention to details, clutch plays.
Ja’Corey Brooks fell into that role for Alabama late in the 2021 season. He started on special teams, but the South Florida native came up huge for the Tide against Auburn and in the College Football Playoff. Brooks took a photo with Fitzgerald and posted it to his Instagram. He aspires to be the constant professional as Fitzgerald. Brooks is looking forward to taking off as a sophomore.
He is pushing for a starting role in Alabama’s wide receiver room.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
