Brooks Leads the NFL in Tackles Ahead of Emotional Reunion
Jordyn Brooks has made a significant impact in his role as middle linebacker for the Miami Dolphins, establishing himself as a cornerstone of a defense that has faced its share of challenges this season. After 10 weeks, Brooks leads the NFL with an impressive total of 105 tackles, embodying the leadership qualities expected from one of the team’s six captains.
A Reunion with a Mentor
This week, Brooks is gearing up for a highly anticipated matchup against the Washington Commanders in Madrid, where he will reunite with his former teammate and mentor, Bobby Wagner. The two played together during Brooks’ early career with the Seattle Seahawks, where he absorbed invaluable lessons from Wagner’s approach to the game.
“I learned a lot just kind of observing him,” Brooks reflected while preparing in Spain. “Watching how he prepares for a game. Kind of just how he holds himself as a man, I learned a lot from him, honestly. I consider him a big brother, so it’s cool to still see him playing at a high level.”
Wagner, a six-time All-Pro and perennial Pro Bowler, has continued to perform at an elite level into his 14th season, sitting just six tackles behind Brooks in the league standings. Their upcoming game not only revisits their shared history but also highlights Brooks’ growth as a player and leader.
Navigating Challenges on and off the Field
While the Dolphins have managed to win two of their last three games, they find themselves four games under .500, having struggled through a rough start to the season. Brooks has stepped up not only on the field but also in the locker room, aiming to minimize distractions for his teammates. Following a disappointing 28-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9, Brooks took the initiative to remove a Pop-a-Shot game from the locker room to refocus the team’s energy.
When asked about the decision, Brooks offered a succinct “no comment,” indicating his focus is firmly on the task at hand.
Preparing for the International Stage
This week marks a historic moment for Brooks as he prepares to participate in the first international NFL game hosted by Spain. His prior experience playing abroad—leading the Seahawks with 16 tackles in last year’s inaugural game in Germany—has equipped him with insights that he is applying to this week’s preparations.
“It’s been an adjustment just with the time shift and all that,” Brooks noted about acclimating to Madrid. “It was hard to sleep on the plane, so the last couple of days have really just been trying to get rest whenever you can, honestly. As soon as meetings are over, I try to go up and get rest and try to do the same things that you do back home to take care of your body, whether that’s hot tub, cold tub, sauna, all those different things. Luckily for us, the Dolphins provided that, so I’ve been trying to take advantage of all that, just keeping the body ready.”
Excitement for the Venue
The game against the Commanders will take place at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid Fútbol Club. Brooks, who admits his familiarity with the club primarily comes from playing FIFA, expressed enthusiasm for the experience ahead.
“The most I know about Real Madrid is playing the soccer game FIFA. I play with Real Madrid a lot, and so that’s the most that I know, honestly. I know Real Madrid, the soccer team, has been pretty good over the years, but anything outside of that I don’t know too much,” he shared.
With the stakes high and the emotions running deep, Brooks is set to showcase his skills on an international stage, all while honoring the lessons learned from a mentor who has greatly influenced his career.
