Selected in the first round (24th overall) of the 1981 NFL Draft out of Auburn by the San Diego Chargers, James Brooks joined Cincinnati through a trade in 1984. That transaction proved to be one of the most significant in Bengals history, as the agile running back became the versatile engine of Coach Sam Wyche's innovative "No-Huddle" offense.

Brooks was an exceptionally swift and versatile backfield player who revolutionized the concept of versatility in the late 1980s. Demonstrating remarkable low-center-of-gravity stability, rapid lateral movement, and soft hands when receiving out of the backfield, he was virtually unguardable by linebackers in one-on-one coverage. Serving both as a conventional runner and a flexible receiver, Brooks consistently exploited angles in the secondary to generate substantial, game-changing plays.

Following his initial three seasons in San Diego as a return specialist and rotational running back, Brooks demonstrated significant development upon taking the field at Riverfront Stadium in 1984. His breakthrough year was 1986, during which he delivered an exemplary and versatile performance. Brooks achieved a career-high 1,087 rushing yards and recorded 54 receptions for 658 receiving yards, establishing a franchise record with 1,745 yards from scrimmage. This outstanding performance earned him his first selection to the Pro Bowl.

Following an injury-shortened 1987 campaign, Brooks made a robust return during Cincinnati's remarkable 1988 season. Acting as the pivotal element of the league's most dynamic offense, he accumulated 931 rushing yards and achieved a personal record of 14 total touchdowns (comprising eight rushing and six receiving). These accomplishments garnered him his second selection to the Pro Bowl. He sustained this performance into the postseason, instrumental in advancing Cincinnati through the AFC bracket to reach Super Bowl XXIII.

Brooks executed his most outstanding rushing campaign in 1989, establishing a franchise record at the time with 1,239 rushing yards while maintaining an impressive average of 5.6 yards per carry, thereby earning his third Pro Bowl selection. He concluded his distinguished period in 1990 with 1,004 rushing yards—culminated by a remarkable 201-yard single-game performance against Houston—to attain his fourth Pro Bowl invitation at the age of 32.

Brooks played 118 games (92 starts), becoming the Bengals' all-time leading rusher with 6,447 yards and 37 touchdowns, plus 297 receptions for 3,012 yards and 27 TDs. In 2026, he was inducted into the Bengals Ring of Honor.