:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50891913/usa-today-8817767.0.jpg)
Baltimore Ravens assistant coach Clarence Brooks tragically lost his battle to esophageal cancer at the age of 65 in Florida this morning which is first reported by RussellStreetReport.com. Brooks is well known as one of the best, if not the best defensive line coach in NFL and he is even more known as a better person especially among those who are close to him most.
Brooks’ wife Justa Brooks spoke on his passing via BaltimoreRavens.com.
“We knew he loved his players. . . Through all of this, we've found out how much his players loved him. We thank everyone for the loving support."
When Brooks entered the the Ravens organization a little over a decade ago, he took over the defensive line position that was once held by Rex Ryan. When Ryan left to become a head coach after the 2008 season, Brooks managed to hold serve on a defensive unit that has set an NFL record for going 20 years without allowing over 4.0 yards per carry on the ground.
Whenever the Ravens defense went through its ups and downs over the last few seasons, the run defense has always been the makeup of the team that has held the defense together and maintained an identity for the physical brand of football that the Ravens defense is known for. Brooks has everything to do with that.
Many defensive coordinators and assistant coaches have left the Ravens defense since 2005. Many players have left the Ravens defense since 2005. But the one constant on that side of the ball whether player or a coach, has always been Clarence Brooks. He will be missed as a coach and even more as a person.
Here are some tweets below in Ravens nation who show their support for Brooks and his family.
A huge loss for Ravens & all of NFL. Clarence Brooks was as well regarded a coach as there was in the league. Players loved & respected him.
— Pete Gilbert (@WBALPete) September 17, 2016
Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of @Ravens senior defensive assistant Clarence Brooks. Incredible person, great coach.
— John Gonoude (@john_gonoude) September 17, 2016
Former Ravens coach Clarence Brooks has passed away. Thoughts and prayers from our family to yours. Our condolences.
— Purple Reign (@PurpleReignShow) September 17, 2016
There's a reason the #Ravens D-Line has been one of the best for years...Clarence Brooks, a great coach and even greater man. R.I.P. Coach
— Russell St. Report (@RussellStReport) September 17, 2016
Clarence Brooks would undergo chemo in the mornings and then coach one of the top performing D lines in the NFL in the afternoons. RIP
— lindsey ok (@lindseyyok) September 17, 2016
@Ravens RIP Clarence Brooks. Prayers and condolences to his family and our Raven family.
— MsReginaRight (@MsGina926) September 17, 2016
RIP Clarence Brooks. You helped coach a great defense and Ravens Nation will be praying for your family.
— Dr. Brilliant, Ph. D (@BRILLIANT2552) September 17, 2016
Clarence Brooks was one of the best Ravens coaches & just seemed well liked. Prayers for his family. Cancer is just awful R.I.P.
— #FireLesMiles (@LiveMuchDieNone) September 17, 2016
Deepest condolences to family of Clarence Brooks, longtime Ravens DL coach, who passed away from cancer this AM. Immensely regarded coach
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) September 17, 2016
Damn RIP Clarence Brooks
— Alex Gardner (@Swavey_Alex_16) September 17, 2016