Immortalized: Michigan Wolverines Legend Honored with Statue in Hom…..

Flint, Michigan – May 29, 2025 — The legacy of Michigan Wolverines football greatness took physical form this past weekend as the city of Flint unveiled a magnificent bronze statue in honor of beloved hometown hero and Michigan legend **Tyrone “T.J.” Brooks**. The emotional ceremony, held at Flint’s historic Atwood Stadium, drew a crowd of fans, former teammates, civic leaders, and local youth to witness the moment a football icon was forever etched into the city’s landscape.

The statue, a striking 12-foot bronze sculpture capturing Brooks in mid-roar with his helmet raised high, pays tribute to both his electrifying athletic career and his unwavering commitment to the Flint community.

This is more than just a statue — it’s a symbol of perseverance, of pride, and of what’s possible,” said Flint Mayor Angela Mitchell. “T.J. Brooks represents the best of Flint and the best of what it means to be a Wolverine.

Brooks, now 44, was raised in one of Flint’s most challenging neighborhoods. Despite the hardships of his upbringing, he rose through the ranks of high school football to become a five-star recruit and ultimately one of the most feared defensive players in college football history.

At the University of Michigan, Brooks wore the iconic number 47 and became a two-time All-American linebacker. Known for his leadership, ferocity, and high football IQ, Brooks played a key role in Michigan’s 2003 national championship run and still holds school records for career tackles and forced fumbles.

Former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr, who recruited Brooks, attended the ceremony and spoke fondly of his former star.

T.J. wasn’t just a great player — he was the emotional anchor of our team,” Carr said. “His work ethic, heart, and loyalty inspired every man in that locker room.”

After his college career, Brooks played eight productive seasons in the NFL. However, many say his greatest impact began after football.

Upon retiring from professional football, Brooks returned to Flint and founded the Brooks Impact Foundation**, which focuses on education, mentorship, and youth development. The foundation provides after-school programs, college prep assistance, athletic training, and life skills workshops for young people in underserved neighborhoods.

My goal has always been to use football as a bridge — not just to success, but to service,” Brooks said during his remarks. “I came back to Flint because I never left Flint in spirit. This city raised me. Now it’s my turn to give everything I can back.

The statue was made possible through a partnership between the city of Flint, the University of Michigan, and private donors. Sculpted by Elena Garcia, a renowned artist known for her work commemorating American athletes, the piece took nearly a year to complete.

T.J.’s story is one of defiance against the odds. I wanted the statue to reflect his strength — not just physical strength, but the strength of character that helped him rise and return.

Saturday’s unveiling was filled with celebration — a marching band played the Michigan fight song, young athletes wore jerseys bearing Brooks’ name, and local schoolchildren held signs reading, Flint Proud, Wolverine Strong.

Even more touching was the attendance of several youth from Brooks’ foundation, many of whom now see him as a father figure and mentor.

This statue isn’t just a memory of the past,” said Brooks, wiping away tears. It’s a promise to the future — that greatness lives here in Flint.