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Published Sunday, July 26, 2009 in Sports
Brooking honored with surprise Atlanta send off
The Newnan Times-Herald
When Keith Brooking signed with the Dallas Cowboys in March, it came with little fanfare among the sum of the NFL's 30 franchises in the early days of this year's free-agency period.
To Falcons fans, however, it truly meant goodbye after 11 seasons in Atlanta.
And for Brooking, it meant coming to grips with knowing his football home was going to be somewhere other than Georgia, where he's played at the youth, high school, college and pro levels before inking a three-year contract with Dallas.
With NFL training camps scheduled to open this week, though, some of the former East Coweta High's biggest fans weren't about to see him off without a fond farewell.
Which is why family, friends and special guests were at Georgia Tech's Wardlaw Center Saturday night to surprise Brooking with a send off that included former coaches at the youth, high school and professional levels.
The event called "It Only Takes a Spark ..." was planned with help from his Children's Foundation to "pay tribute to Keith's reknown commitment to Atlanta both on and off the field."
"I pretty much knew there was a pretty good chance I'd be leaving," said Brooking upon signing with Dallas. "It wasn't an easy decision for me. But I feel I made the right choice. There's absolutely no regrets."
The event included words from Brooking's first youth coach, Carl McKnight of the Coweta Recreation Department and longtime ECHS head football coach Danny Cronic. Former Falcon linebacker Jessie Tuggle and head coach Dan Reeves also were expected to speak, as well as current Atlanta defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder and Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips.
The evening, emceed by Georgia Tech and Falcons radio broadcaster Wes Durham included video greetings from Newt Gingrich, NFL Hall of Fame lineman Anthony Munoz and country singer Garth Brooks.
"We're hoping to make it a special night for Keith," said Graham prior to the ceremony. "It's a chance for all of us to give something back to him for all he's done for not only Atlanta, but this community."
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Dont talk unless you know what you are talking about. You obviously do not know the Falcons like you think you do. Brooking was one of the most solid LB's in the league during his prime. But due to his age Atlanta chose not to resign him. HE WAS NOT TRADED
Posted by Steve at 4:31 PM
It's about time Atlanta traded him. He is and never will be a great line backer in the NFL. He doesnt cover the pass very well and is to small to stop the run. This move is way over do for Atlanta. Yes the story of his football life in Georgia is unique in its self. But this is about winning. Good luck to him in Dallas but lets move on. Atlanta will be better off as a defensive unit now.
Posted by brad at 1:18 PM
We'll miss Keith and his community involvment. Times-Herald, please pay attention when editing. Who is Graham mentioned at the end of the story?? Was this a private event?
Posted by MT at 9:02 AM
All the best to Keith Brooking as he heads to his new team: he set a great example of not only "how to play" but "how to live." Hats off to Carl McKnight - runs a wonderful Recreation Department! Get the students 'busy' at a young age, give them encouragement and that equals success.
Posted by Involved Parent at 4:49 PM
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brooking
7/30/2009
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who do you play football for Brad?............at least Keith Brooking is not a "thug"
Posted by j at 5:33 AM