Former Texas A&M and Dallas Carter football player Terrance “Chet” Brooks has died at the age of 60, Texas A&M announced last Saturday.
Brooks, a safety for the Aggies from 1984-87, “passed away after a battle with cancer,” according to the news release from A&M.
During his time in College Station, Brooks helped the Aggies win three consecutive Southwest Conference titles (1985-87) and earned All-SWC and All-American honors. He is also credited with coining the nickname “Wrecking Crew” for the A&M defense.
His final game for the Aggies, a 35-10 victory over Notre Dame in the 1988 Cotton Bowl, also featured a memorable moment in A&M football history. Brooks told walk-on 12th man kickoff team members that he wanted Notre Dame star Tim Brown’s towel as a birthday present. As a result, Warren Barhorst snatched Brown’s towel after a kickoff return, resulting in a benches-clearing scuffle after Brown tackled Barhorst.
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The Midland-born Brooks was selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the 303rd overall pick in the 11th round of the 1988 NFL draft. He played in 33 games across three seasons with the 49ers, winning two Super Bowls. He tallied three interceptions, one forced fumble and a sack in his short professional career.
After his career, Brooks was inducted to the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.
The university also shared the details of Brooks funeral service which can be found below:
Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 at 2 p.m. CT
Friendship West Baptist Church
2020 W. Wheatland Rd.
Dallas, Texas, 75232
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