Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Famer Chet Brooks Passes Away
Jan 17, 2026 | Football
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – Terrance "Chet" Brooks, a standout former Texas A&M football player and the person credited with coming up with the nickname "Wrecking Crew" for the Aggie defense, has passed away after a battle with cancer.
Brooks, who came to Texas A&M from Carter High School in Dallas, was a four-year (1984-87) letterman in football. An All-SWC and All-American safety, Brooks helped guide the Aggie football team to three-straight Southwest Conference Championships (1985-87) and three consecutive Cotton Bowl appearances. He was drafted in the 1988 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers and was part of two Super Bowl championship teams. Brooks was named to the All-Madden team in 1989 and was inducted into the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. Additionally, Brooks was inducted into the Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.
Brooks, born Jan. 1, 1966 in Midland, was also a key figure in the Tim Brown stolen towel episode in the 1988 Aggie Cotton Bowl victory over Notre Dame.
Brooks told the walkon 12th Man Kickoff team members he wanted Brown's towel that hung from the Heisman winner's belt for his birthday present. In the fourth quarter Brown returned a kickoff and Aggie 12th Man member Warren Barhorst took the towel and headed to the Aggie sideline before Brown tackled him.
Brooks, who came to Texas A&M from Carter High School in Dallas, was a four-year (1984-87) letterman in football. An All-SWC and All-American safety, Brooks helped guide the Aggie football team to three-straight Southwest Conference Championships (1985-87) and three consecutive Cotton Bowl appearances. He was drafted in the 1988 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers and was part of two Super Bowl championship teams. Brooks was named to the All-Madden team in 1989 and was inducted into the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. Additionally, Brooks was inducted into the Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.
Brooks, born Jan. 1, 1966 in Midland, was also a key figure in the Tim Brown stolen towel episode in the 1988 Aggie Cotton Bowl victory over Notre Dame.
Brooks told the walkon 12th Man Kickoff team members he wanted Brown's towel that hung from the Heisman winner's belt for his birthday present. In the fourth quarter Brown returned a kickoff and Aggie 12th Man member Warren Barhorst took the towel and headed to the Aggie sideline before Brown tackled him.
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