Former San Francisco 49ers safety Chet Brooks has passed away at the age of 60 following a battle with cancer.
RIP to my brotha in Christ Chet Brooks, I know we just talked a few weeks ago but God says its time to come home. Please pray for his wife Nikki and his son Terrance during this time of bereavement. Me and the @FBUcamp
— Anthony Williams (@AWilliamsUSA) January 17, 2026
family will miss you immensely! 🙏🏾https://t.co/CEMXwLm4wR pic.twitter.com/K6Y8DoEpBk
The 49ers selected Brooks out of Texas A&M in the 11th round (303rd overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft. He went on to play three NFL seasons—all with San Francisco—and was a member of two Super Bowl championship teams, helping the 49ers win Super Bowl XXIII and Super Bowl XXIV.
Brooks started at safety in Super Bowl XXIV, where the 49ers delivered a historic 55–10 victory over the Denver Broncos. In that game, he recorded an interception return and recovered a fumble, contributing to one of the most dominant Super Bowl performances in history.
Known for his physical, relentless style of play, Brooks earned a spot on the prestigious All-Madden Team in 1989.
Over his NFL career from 1988 to 1990, Brooks appeared in 33 regular-season games, recording three interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and one sack. His career was cut short by a devastating injury suffered on November 4, 1990, during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
Following his playing career, Brooks' legacy continued to be honored. He was inducted into the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.