2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Michael Brooks, SS, Framingham State University

• Name: Michael Brooks
• Position: SS
• College: Framingham State University 
• Height: 5’9 1/2
• Weight: 185
• Twitter: @flight021_
• Instagram: @flight021__

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2023 NFL Draft? 

What makes me a top prospect at my position for the 2023 NFL Draft is my knowledge of the game. I always strive to stay fundamentally sound and maintain the mindset of wanting to improve my game each year. There’s no perfect player, you have to be consistent with your craft and open to critiquing your own game because there’s always room for refinement. I’m always looking to learn from something, whether it’s a game or practice reps. Film study has played a big part in my development as a player as well, and these things will help separate me.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I was 10 when I first got interested in football. Originally, my mother placed me and my brothers in the sport just to give us something to do, but it wasn’t until scoring the first touchdown that I grew a love for the game.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

One thing NFL teams should know about me is that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to be an asset and help make the organization better. Whether it’s a change in position or learning new techniques, I’m always here to help the team succeed.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

There are many causes in this world I would donate to, but one that immediately comes to mind would be for single-parent households. I watched how hard it was for my mother, being the sole provider for me and my siblings. Mentally, it can be draining for the parent, and can have a tendency to affect the children. Albeit, I plan to give back to those in need

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

The best advice I’ve ever received was to always bet on myself. People tend to seek validation and confirmation from others, especially loved ones. If they aren’t receptive of what you’re displaying, you can possibly become discouraged. I learned that most people only see things for face value, and because of that, they aren’t necessarily able to see as far down the line as you can. People fail in this world and throw their insecurities onto you. You have to stay confident in yourself and see past that and bet on yourself- eventually, those people will see what you always saw.

Who was your childhood hero? 

My childhood hero was my grandfather, but after his passing years ago, my mother filled that role for me. They are the two people who no matter what obstacles were placed in front of them, always made a way for the family. I never missed a meal, never had a birthday or a holiday I didn’t enjoy. They always made the absolute best of what we had. I like to believe a lot of those characteristics/traits were instilled in me.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school? 

The most underrated teammate in my locker room is Isaiah Hanks, Receiver. He’s undoubtedly a hard worker and a great teammate, very talented. He was the guy we went to for key first downs and scores when within the red zone. I believe this upcoming season will be a big one for him. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve would have to be lazy people, really those who are just unnecessarily lazy. To an extent, you are the company you keep, so if I’m around people who are lazy I will start to become lazy and that’s something I refuse to become. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

Having to come home to New York to attend community college and play JUCO football was one of the hardest moments I had to overcome. Being away at college, I wasn’t cutting it academically and I had to come home and buckle down. It was something I never dealt with before, as school was never an issue, but there was some maturing that needed to be done, and attending Nassau Community College really helped my growth as a student, athlete, and man. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

My current school is special to me because I was genuinely embraced with open arms, making it an easy adjustment for me. One thing about the school is the number of resources they have for you to be successful academically. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

My favorite snack is tough, I don’t snack as much anymore but if I had to choose one, it was always Honey Buns for me growing up.

What is the best part of football? 

To me, the best part of football is game day. Seeing the work you put in all week just come together is one of the best feelings; out there having fun with your team, executing the game plan, nothing better than that to me.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say? 

If I could sell myself in one sentence, “Michael Brooks is the hardest working player out here”.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be? 

I would compare my game to Tyrann Mathieu. I watched him all throughout his college tenure, and now in the NFL. We’re similar in size, scrappy players, can play down in the box, cover and tackle out in the open field. We’re both aggressive players, always playing fast, and filled with a lot of heart and determination.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

Any three people I could have dinner with would be Rashad Bilal, Troy Millings and Ian Dunlap. Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings are the hosts of the successful podcast Earn Your Leisure and they are joined by Ian Dunlap also known as “The Master Investor”. These men are providing high level conversations about the stock market, crypto currency, real estate, how to trade, what to trade, and many other business ventures as well. They provide a strong platform for many successful entrepreneurs/businessmen and women to come and educate themselves on financial literacy and freedom. Just being around them would elevate my mind and leave me with information that can help me become more financially stable for years to come, providing wealth for future generations after me.