The world lost a great man today. Clarence Brooks Has Passed Away:
The Baltimore Ravens will be traveling to Cleveland with heavy hearts this week. The Ravens longest tenured coach passed away today after a year-long battle with esophageal cancer. Clarence Brooks was 65. Brooks joined the Ravens in 2005 and coached the defensive line for 11 seasons.
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After Brooks announced his battle with cancer in December 2015, he stepped down as the defensive line coach but stayed with the team as a senior defensive assistant. Head Coach John Harbaugh said that Brooks was the best defensive line coach he’s ever been around. Players and coaches alike all seemed to love and respect Brooks.
Ravens football is synonymous with great defense. It’s obvious that Brooks had a lot to do with that. During his tenure the Ravens gave up the fewest rushing touchdowns in the NFL (89). Brooks coached many stars, including 5-time Pro Bowler Haloti Ngata and current rising star Brandon Williams.
The beloved coach had a great impact off the field too. Brooks had become a fixture of the Ravens franchise. Brooks is somebody that you’ll never hear a bad word about. As news of his death came to light, players swarmed Twitter with their love and condolences.
Rest In Peach CB! Sending my love, prayers, and condolences to his family 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/UCqYbzd61i
— Breshad Perriman (@B_Perriman11) September 17, 2016
Clarence Brooks had the given ability to be able to put a smile on your face everyday. #Ravens #RavensFlock #RavensNation
— Sam Koch (@Sam_Koch4) September 17, 2016
RIP to a great coach, but a better person. Another angel looking after us! You will be missed. CB.
— Shareece Wright (@ShareeceWright) September 17, 2016
Just an amazing man - you could always make us smile! So thankful to have known you, CB. https://t.co/bbJZeUpgMj
— Justin Tucker (@jtuck9) September 17, 2016
I'm thankful for the short time I had with Coach Brooks! He was a great man that believed in me.I learned a lot from him. You will be missed
— Carl Davis Jr. (@Trenchwork94) September 17, 2016
Next: 5 Predictions For Ravens Battle With Browns
Clarence Brooks was a great man. When you think about all the players and coaches that he has worked with, it’s truly astounding. Brooks as with the Ravens in both the Billick era and the Harbaugh era. When you think about all the great moments that he was a part of, his career was incredible. Brooks began his coaching career in 1976. Brooks became a defensive line specialist. He was a great position coach, who could get the most out of his players. He was an even better person.