The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed a duo of Americans with the last name Brooks, in running back Kennedy Brooks and defensive back Antoine Brooks Jr.
Kennedy Brooks went unselected in the 2022 NFL draft, later signing with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent, remaining with the team for the majority of the season.
Collegiately, the Mansfield, Texas native was a standout at Oklahoma University. Across 38 games, the 25-year-old recorded 472 carries for 3,320 yards (averaging 7.0 yards per carry) and rushed for 31 touchdowns. That also included running for over 1,000 yards in three different seasons (2018, 2019, 2021). The former Sooner was also named to the All-Big 12 second-team in 2019.
Antoine Brooks Jr. heard his name called by the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2020 NFL draft in the sixth round (198th overall), remaining with the team for that season. The 25-year-old also spent time with the Los Angelas Rams, winning a Super Bowl in the process. Most recently, however, Brooks Jr. was with the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons, recording 28 tackles and two sacks last season.
In college, the Maryland native spent four seasons playing for his home state Maryland Terrapins, tallying 237 tackles (including 28 tackles for loss), four sacks, four interceptions, nine pass deflections, and one forced fumble recovery. Also, Brooks Jr. was a three-time All-Big Ten selection, including two second- team selections (2018 and 2019).
With turnover at both the running back and defensive back positions in Riderville this off-season, both rookies have real shots with their production and pedigree to make the team out of camp.
