182. James Brooks

For a time, when James Brooks was playing, it seemed that you would hear his name being called throughout the entire game. With his incredible versatility, it stands to reason teams used him every way they could.

James Brooks led the league in All-Purpose yards in his first two years in the league. He excelled at Kick Returns and three times eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark rushing. He wasn’t the biggest athlete, but he was one of the most elusive runners and used his smaller stature as a positive rather than a negative.

Brooks was a great worker, but without an All-Pro Selection on his resume, the Hall likely considers him a really good player, but not necessarily a great one. Most NFL Running Backs wish that they could have a career that was as good as Brooks.

Should James Brooks be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 66.3%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 15.7%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 14.5%

No opinion. - 1.2%

No way! - 2.4%

The Bullet Points

Country of Origin: Warner Robins, Georgia, U.S.A.
Eligible Since: Thursday, 01 January 1998
Position: Running Back
Games Played: 162
Notable Statistics: 116 Games Started
1,685 Rushing Attempts
7,962 Rushing Yards
49 Rushing Touchdowns
383 Receptions
3,621 Receiving Yards
30 Receiving Touchdowns
52 Punt Returns
565 Punt Return Yards
132 Kick Returns
2,762 Kick Return Yards
1 Pass Completion
2 Pass Attempts
8 Passing Yards
1 Touchdown Pass
101 Approximate Value

9 Playoff Games
5 Playoff Games Started
58 Rushing Attempts
216 Rushing Yards
1 Rushing Touchdown
15 Receptions
149 Receiving Yards
3 Receiving Touchdowns
4 Punt Returns
24 Punt Return Yards
19 Kick Returns
321 Kick Return Yards
Played For: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, San Diego Chargers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
College: Auburn
Drafted: 1st Round, 24th Overall in 1981
Major Accolades and Awards: Super Bowl Rings (None)
Pro Bowl Selection (4) (1986, 1988, 1989 & 1990)
Most Yards per Attempt (1) (1986)
Most All-Purpose Yards (2) (1981 & 1982)
Most Kick Return Yards (1) (1982)
Most Return Yards (1) (1982)
Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Yards (3) (1986, 1989 & 1990)
Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Touchdowns (2) (1982 & 1989)
Top Ten Finishes: Yards per Attempt (7) (1981, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989 & 1990)
Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Yards per Game (3) (1986, 1989 & 1990)
Top Ten Finishes: Touchdowns (2) (1985 & 1990)
Top Ten Finishes: Yards from Scrimmage (3) (1986, 1989 & 1990)
Top Ten Finishes: All-Purpose Yards (3) (1981, 1982 & 1986)
Top Ten Finishes: Yards per Touch (6) (1981, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989 & 1990)
Top Ten Finishes: Kick Returns (2) (1981 & 1982)
Top Ten Finishes: Kick Return Yards (2) (1981 & 1982)
Top Ten Finishes: Yards per Kick Return (1) (1981)
Top Ten Finishes: Yards per Punt Return (2) (1981 & 1982)
Top Ten Finishes: Returns (2) (1981 & 1982)
Top Ten Finishes: Return Yards (2) (1981 & 1982)
Notable All Time Rankings: 26. Yards per Rushing Attempt: 4.7
42.   All-Purpose Yards: 14,910
57.   Rushing Yards: 7,962
59. Touches: 2,068
67. Rushing Attempts: 1,685
76.   Touchdowns: 79
85.   Yards From Scrimmage: 11,583
95.   Rushing Touchdowns: 49
100. Yards per Touch: 5.6
Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: None