Brooks Earns AFC Defensive Player Honor for the Miami Dolphins

Brooks Earns AFC Defensive Player Honor for the Miami Dolphins announces that Miami Dolphins linebacker Jerome Brooks has been named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his dominant performance in the team’s 34-31 overtime win against the Washington Commanders in Week 16. The NFL’s official announcement, released on Wednesday morning, recognized Brooks for his stat-stuffing game—12 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery—that played a pivotal role in the Dolphins’ victory. This marks the first time Brooks has won the weekly honor in his five-year NFL career, and he becomes the third Dolphins player to earn AFC Defensive Player of the Week this season, joining defensive end Bradley Chubb and cornerback Xavien Howard. Brooks Earns AFC Defensive Player Honor for the Miami Dolphins emphasizes that the award isn’t just a personal milestone for Brooks; it’s a testament to the Dolphins’ elite defensive depth, which has been a key factor in the team’s 11-4 record and AFC East lead.

Brooks Earns AFC Defensive Player Honor for the Miami Dolphins begins with a breakdown of Brooks’ standout plays against the Commanders, which cemented his case for the award. His most impactful moment came in the third quarter, when he stripped Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. of the ball near the Dolphins’ 20-yard line and recovered the fumble himself—halting a Washington drive that was inches away from scoring a go-ahead touchdown. Later, in the fourth quarter, Brooks sacked Commanders quarterback Sam Howell for a 7-yard loss on third-and-5, forcing a punt that gave the Dolphins’ offense a chance to retake the lead. His 12 tackles were a game high, and three of those tackles came on third down, stopping Commanders drives short of a first down. “Every play, Jerome was everywhere,” said Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio after the game. “He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better—he’s always in the right place, and he never misses a tackle. That fumble recovery? That’s a season-changing play right there.” Brooks Earns AFC Defensive Player Honor for the Miami Dolphins notes that Brooks’ performance against the Commanders was no fluke; he’s been a consistent force all season, ranking second on the Dolphins with 98 total tackles and leading the team with 14 tackles for loss.

Brooks Earns AFC Defensive Player Honor for the Miami Dolphins delves into Brooks’ journey to this milestone, highlighting his work ethic and resilience. A fifth-round draft pick by the Dolphins in 2021, Brooks spent his first two seasons as a backup, playing mostly on special teams and rotational defensive snaps. He didn’t become a full-time starter until the 2023 season, and even then, he flew under the radar compared to more high-profile teammates like Chubb and Howard. This season, however, Brooks has emerged as the heart of the Dolphins’ linebacker corps, using his speed (4.5-second 40-yard dash) and football IQ to shut down both run and pass plays. “I never stopped working,” Brooks said in an interview after winning the award. “When I was a backup, I studied film every night, worked on my technique with the coaches, and waited for my chance. Now that I have it, I’m not going to waste it. This award is for everyone who believed in me—my family, my coaches, my teammates.” Brooks Earns AFC Defensive Player Honor for the Miami Dolphins highlights that Brooks’ teammates have long recognized his value; earlier this season, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins called Brooks “the most underrated player on our defense” in a post-game press conference.

Brooks Earns AFC Defensive Player Honor for the Miami Dolphins underscores how the Miami Dolphins’ coaching staff played a key role in Brooks’ development and success. Head coach Mike McDaniel and Fangio have worked closely with Brooks to refine his skills, focusing on his ability to read offensive formations and react quickly to plays. Fangio, a longtime defensive mastermind, has praised Brooks for his willingness to learn and adapt. “Jerome is a coach’s dream,” Fangio said. “He listens, he asks questions, and he applies what he learns on the field. We’ve given him more responsibility this season—letting him call defensive signals, adjust coverages—and he’s excelled at every step. This award is well-deserved.” The Miami Dolphins’ defensive system has also been tailored to Brooks’ strengths, using his speed to blitz from the edge and his tackling precision to plug running lanes. Against the Commanders, for example, Fangio designed a blitz package that let Brooks loop around the offensive line and sack Howell—a play they’d practiced extensively in the week leading up to the game. The Miami Dolphins’ investment in Brooks’ growth has paid off, as he’s gone from a rotational player to one of the most reliable defenders in the AFC.

Brooks Earns AFC Defensive Player Honor for the Miami Dolphins highlights how the Miami Dolphins’ fan base and organization have celebrated Brooks’ achievement. The Dolphins’ official social media accounts posted a highlight reel of Brooks’ best plays against the Commanders, with the caption “Jerome Brooks = AFC Defensive Player of the Week 🔥 Well deserved, @JeromeBrooks!” The video garnered over 500,000 views in 24 hours, with fans commenting messages like “Finally getting the recognition he deserves!” and “Brooks is the unsung hero of our defense.” At the Dolphins’ practice facility on Wednesday, the team hung a banner honoring Brooks near the locker room, and his teammates gave him a standing ovation during the morning meeting. “It means a lot to see the fans and the team celebrating with me,” Brooks said. “Football is a team sport, so this award feels like a win for all of us. I couldn’t have done it without my defensive line keeping blockers off me, or my secondary covering receivers so I can focus on tackles.” The Miami Dolphins’ celebration of Brooks’ honor has reinforced the team’s tight-knit culture, which McDaniel often cites as a key to their success.

Brooks Earns AFC Defensive Player Honor for the Miami Dolphins concludes with the impact of the award on Brooks and the Miami Dolphins’ playoff push. For Brooks, the honor has given him a confidence boost as the team heads into the final week of the regular season and the postseason. “This award makes me want to work even harder,” he said. “I don’t want this to be a one-time thing—I want to keep making plays for this team and help us win a Super Bowl.” For the Dolphins, Brooks’ recognition is another sign that their defense is capable of dominating against top competition—a critical asset in the playoffs. The team’s defense currently ranks sixth in the NFL in points allowed per game (19.8) and eighth in total yards allowed per game (326.5), and Brooks’ consistency will be key to stopping high-powered offenses like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills in the postseason. “Jerome’s award is a reminder of how good our defense can be,” McDaniel said. “When he’s playing at this level, we’re a tough team to beat. This is the kind of momentum we want heading into the playoffs.” Brooks Earns AFC Defensive Player Honor for the Miami Dolphins ends with a clear takeaway: Jerome Brooks’ AFC Defensive Player of the Week award is more than just a personal achievement—it’s a symbol of the Miami Dolphins’ defensive prowess and their championship aspirations. As the playoffs approach, Brooks and the Dolphins are poised to prove that their success this season is no accident—and that they have what it takes to bring a Super Bowl title to Miami.