Defensive Player of the Week Award Goes to Brooks of the Miami Dolphins

In the NFL, individual awards often shine a light on the unsung heroes who make critical plays without always grabbing the headlines—and this week, that spotlight is on Miami Dolphins linebacker Jerome Brooks. The NFL announced Wednesday that Brooks has been named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his standout performance in the Dolphins’ Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Brooks, a third-year player out of Ohio State, delivered a career-best game: he recorded 12 total tackles (8 solo), 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass deflection, playing a pivotal role in slowing down the Bengals’ high-powered offense. For Brooks, the award is not just a personal milestone—it’s a recognition of the Dolphins’ defensive resurgence this season, a unit that has gone from being an afterthought to one of the most disruptive in the AFC. Defensive Player of the Week Award Goes to Brooks of the Miami Dolphins isn’t just about one player’s success—it’s about how hard work and consistency can turn a role player into a game-changer.

Defensive Player of the Week Award Goes to Brooks of the Miami Dolphins gains depth by breaking down the specific plays that earned Brooks the honor in Week 11. Early in the second quarter, with the Bengals driving deep into Dolphins territory and leading 10-7, Brooks made his first impact: he beat Bengals right guard Cordell Volson with a quick inside move, sacking quarterback Joe Burrow for a 9-yard loss and forcing the Bengals to settle for a field goal instead of a potential touchdown. But his biggest play came in the third quarter, when the Bengals were trailing 27-20 and trying to tie the game. On a third-and-5 play from the Dolphins’ 30-yard line, Brooks read Burrow’s eyes, jumped a short pass intended for running back Joe Mixon, and forced a fumble while making the tackle—recovering the ball himself to end the Bengals’ drive. Later in the quarter, he added a second sack, this time using a speed rush to get past Volson again and drop Burrow for a 6-yard loss. “Jerome was everywhere on Sunday,” Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. “He didn’t just make tackles—he made plays that changed the momentum of the game. That’s the kind of player we always knew he could be.”

A critical component of Defensive Player of the Week Award Goes to Brooks of the Miami Dolphins is Brooks’ journey to this point, which has been marked by patience and growth. When the Dolphins selected Brooks in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he was viewed as a developmental prospect—someone with physical tools (6-foot-2, 245 pounds) but lacking the experience to contribute right away. In his rookie season, he played mostly on special teams, recording just 15 tackles in 12 games. Last year, he saw more time on defense but still played behind starters Elandon Roberts and David Long Jr., finishing with 42 tackles and 1 sack. This season, however, Brooks seized his opportunity: when Long suffered a knee injury in Week 4, Brooks stepped into the starting lineup and never looked back. He’s since become a staple of Fangio’s defense, using his speed to chase down ball carriers and his football IQ to read plays before they develop. “I never got discouraged by not playing a lot early on,” Brooks said in a press conference after winning the award. “I just kept working, learning from the veterans, and waiting for my chance. To get this award now? It’s a dream come true.”

Defensive Player of the Week Award Goes to Brooks of the Miami Dolphins is particularly significant for the Miami Dolphins’ defensive identity, which has been rebuilt around players like Brooks. Entering this season, the Dolphins’ defense was widely criticized for being too soft—they ranked 22nd in total defense in 2024 and struggled to stop both the run and the pass. But under Fangio, who was hired in the offseason, the unit has undergone a transformation. Brooks has been a big part of that change: his ability to play both inside and outside linebacker has given Fangio flexibility to run different defensive packages, and his tackling consistency (he’s missed just 3 tackles all season) has helped shore up the Dolphins’ run defense. With Brooks leading the way, the Dolphins’ defense now ranks 11th in the NFL in total yards allowed and 9th in sacks (28 through 11 games). “Jerome is the heart of our defense right now,” Fangio said. “He sets the tone with his work ethic, and his teammates feed off of that. When he makes a play, everyone else steps up their game.” For the Miami Dolphins, Brooks’ success is a sign that their defensive rebuild is working—and that they have the pieces to compete with the AFC’s top offenses in the playoffs.

Another vital aspect of Defensive Player of the Week Award Goes to Brooks of the Miami Dolphins is the reaction from Brooks’ teammates and coaches, which highlights his impact on the locker room. After the Week 11 win, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was quick to praise Brooks, calling him “the unsung hero of our defense.” Linebacker Jaelan Phillips, who also had a sack in the game, joked that “Jerome was making me look bad out there—he was everywhere.” Even head coach Mike McDaniel, who typically focuses on team success over individual awards, took time to celebrate Brooks’ achievement. “Jerome embodies everything we want in a Dolphins player,” McDaniel said. “He’s humble, he’s hardworking, and he puts the team first. This award is well-deserved, and I’m proud of him.” Brooks, for his part, was quick to share the credit, noting that “none of this would be possible without my teammates. The defensive line did a great job of getting pressure, the secondary covered well, and we all worked together as a unit.” This team-first attitude has made Brooks a fan favorite in Miami—and a leader in the Dolphins’ locker room, even if he doesn’t have the title.

Finally, Defensive Player of the Week Award Goes to Brooks of the Miami Dolphins raises questions about what’s next for Brooks and the Dolphins’ defense as the season heads into its final stretch. With Long expected to return from injury soon, Brooks will likely remain a starter, as Fangio has indicated he plans to use a three-linebacker package more often to take advantage of Brooks’ versatility. For Brooks, the goal now is to build on his Week 11 performance and help the Dolphins secure a playoff spot. “This award is great, but it’s not the end goal,” he said. “We want to win the AFC East, make a deep playoff run, and ultimately win a Super Bowl. That’s what we’re all working toward.” For the Miami Dolphins, Brooks’ award is a reminder that success in the NFL isn’t just about star players—it’s about role players stepping up when given the chance. As the Dolphins prepare for their Week 12 game against the Washington Commanders, Brooks will look to keep his momentum going—and prove that his Week 11 performance wasn’t a fluke, but a sign of things to come. Defensive Player of the Week Award Goes to Brooks of the Miami Dolphins wraps up with this truth: in football, every player has the potential to be a hero. Jerome Brooks just needed his chance—and he’s making the most of it.