Ravens assistant coach Clarence Brooks passed away Saturday morning after a battle with esophageal cancer.
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Diagnosed last October, Brooks called the cancer fight the toughest thing he’s ever been through.
Brooks is the fourth member of the Ravens’ community to pass away in 2016, following former head coach Ted Marchibroda, cornerback and 2015 fourth-round pick Tray Walker, and former long snapper Frank Wainright.
In Brooks’ 11 years as line coach, the Ravens surrendered the fewest rushing touchdowns (89) of any National Football League team during that span.
Beloved by his players and peers, perhaps the best mark of Brooks’ excellence is the Ravens’ performance against the run on his watch: the team never finished lower than eighth in yards per rushing attempt allowed.
She discussed the support Brooks, who transitioned into the role of senior defensive assistant following his diagnosis, received from the players. He coached Haloti Ngata and the Baltimore defensive line to a Super Bowl title in 2012. In each of his first seven seasons with the Ravens, the team’s overall defense ranked in the top ten.
Brooks also coached for the Miami Dolphins (2000-04), Cleveland Browns (1999) and Chicago Bears (1993-98).
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He is survived by Justa, their son Jason, and daughter Adrienne, in addition to their two grandchildren, Aviana and Avery.
