Longtime Baltimore Ravens assistant Clarence Brooks died Saturday morning in a Florida hospital after battling esophageal cancer, the franchise said. He was 65.
Assistant coach Clarence Brooks has passed away: https://t.co/OUfM8xguCB
RIP, Coach Brooks. You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/kVXUO9HYh2
โ Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 17, 2016
“We knew he loved his players,” said his wife, Justa.”Through all of this, we’ve found out how much his players loved him. We thank everyone for the loving support.”
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Brooks was the franchise’s longest-tenured coach, joining the Ravens in 2005. While battling his illness, Brooks had transitioned this season to a senior defensive assistant role. Head coach John Harbaugh called Brooks the best defensive line coach he has worked with in the NFL.
Over his 11 seasons, the Ravens gave up the NFL’s fewest rushing touchdowns and the second-fewest points per game.
Brooks was diagnosed with cancer before last season’s week four win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This article first appeared on Womanista.com
