Drafted 33rd overall in the second round out of Texas in the 1996 NFL Draft, Tony Brackens wasted no time establishing himself as an absolute menace on the edge for Jacksonville. Despite starting just one game as a rookie, he generated instant backfield chaos, putting up 7.0 sacks and co-leading the NFL with five forced fumbles to earn a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. He followed that up in 1997 by again co-leading the league in forced fumbles (6), quickly developing a reputation as one of the game's most lethal strip-sacking defenders.

Brackens put together his finest professional campaign during Jacksonville's historic 1999 run. As the premier edge threat on a squad that stormed to a league-best 14–2 record, he registered a career-high 12.0 sacks, two interceptions, and an NFL-leading eight forced fumbles. That dominant performance earned him Pro Bowl honors and a Second-Team AP All-Pro selection, solidifying his role as the franchise’s defensive heartbeat. He elevated his play even further in the postseason, racking up 3.0 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown across two playoff starts.

Though persistent injuries hampered his availability after another double-digit sack year in 2001 (11.0 sacks), Brackens spent all eight of his NFL seasons terrorizing quarterbacks in North Florida before retiring after the 2003 season.

In Duval County, Brackens recorded 55.0 sacks, 362 tackles (304 solo, 58 assists), 27 forced fumbles, 13 recoveries, and five interceptions.