Will Brooks, a former undrafted free agent (UDFA) safety from the Tennessee Volunteers, has been given a second opportunity in the NFL after being waived by the Kansas City Chiefs following their 2025 rookie minicamp. Brooks, who signed with the Chiefs as a UDFA on May 3, 2025, was released just three days later but quickly received an invitation to attend the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rookie minicamp as a tryout player. This development marks a significant moment in Brooks’ young professional career, offering him a chance to prove himself in a competitive NFL environment.
Brooks’ journey from a walk-on at Tennessee to an NFL hopeful is a testament to his resilience and determination. During his college career, he evolved from a special teams contributor to a starting defensive back, earning recognition for his standout performances in 2024. Now, as he transitions to the professional level, Brooks faces the challenge of standing out in a crowded safety room with the Buccaneers, where he will compete against talented players like Shilo Sanders and JJ Roberts.
College Career at Tennessee
Will Brooks began his college football journey at the University of Tennessee as a preferred walk-on in 2020. Initially contributing on special teams, he gradually worked his way up the depth chart, becoming a key player on defense by his final season. Over his first four collegiate seasons (2020–2023), Brooks appeared in 39 games, recording 23 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one pass deflection. However, it was in 2024 that he truly shone, showcasing his potential as a defensive back.
In Week 2 of the 2024 season, Brooks made a game-changing play against NC State, returning an interception 85 yards for a touchdown. This performance was a highlight of his career and demonstrated his ability to make big plays when it mattered most. Later in the season, during Week 8, he delivered another standout performance against rival Alabama, recording eight tackles, one tackle for loss, and a game-sealing interception. For his efforts, Brooks was named Walk-On of the Week, a well-deserved honor that underscored his growth and impact on the field.
Brooks’ college career culminated in him being named a Burlsworth Trophy semifinalist, an award given to the most outstanding player in college football who began his career as a walk-on. His journey from an unheralded recruit to a starting safety in the SEC is a story of perseverance and hard work, qualities that will serve him well as he navigates the challenges of the NFL.
Signing with the Chiefs and Waiver
Following the 2025 NFL Draft, Will Brooks signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent on May 3, 2025. The Chiefs, known for their ability to identify and develop talent, saw potential in Brooks’ versatility and football IQ. However, after participating in the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp, Brooks was waived on May 6, 2025, along with another UDFA, wide receiver Justin Lockhart. While the exact reasons for his waiver are not publicly detailed, it is common for teams to make roster adjustments after evaluating players in minicamp settings, especially when competition is fierce.
Despite the setback, Brooks’ release from the Chiefs was not the end of his NFL journey. Just days later, he received an invitation to attend the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rookie minicamp as a tryout player, giving him another opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially earn a spot on an NFL roster.
Opportunity with the Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rookie minicamp, held in May 2025, featured a total of 61 players, including six draft picks, 15 UDFAs, six first-year players, and 34 tryout players. Among the tryout players was Will Brooks, who joined the camp as a safety. The Buccaneers’ safety room is already crowded, with established players like Antoine Winfield Jr., Christian Izien, Kaevon Merriweather, Marcus Banks at free safety, and Rashad Wisdom at strong safety. However, Brooks will also be competing directly with other tryout players, including Shilo Sanders and JJ Roberts, for a chance to stand out.
To secure a spot on the Buccaneers’ preseason roster, Brooks will need to demonstrate versatility, as the team values players who can contribute at multiple positions within the secondary. His experience as a walk-on and his ability to make impactful plays during his college career could work in his favor, but he will need to impress during the minicamp and any subsequent opportunities.
The Road Ahead
Will Brooks’ journey from a walk-on at Tennessee to an NFL tryout player with the Buccaneers is a testament to his resilience and determination. While his time with the Chiefs was brief, the opportunity to compete with the Buccaneers represents a fresh start. In the NFL, where second chances are not uncommon, especially for UDFAs, Brooks has the chance to prove that he belongs at the professional level.
As the Buccaneers’ rookie minicamp unfolds, all eyes will be on players like Brooks, who are looking to make a lasting impression. For Brooks, this is more than just a tryout—it’s an opportunity to continue his football journey and potentially carve out a role in the NFL. Whether he makes the final roster or not, his story is one of perseverance, and it serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.
Will Brooks’ transition from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rookie minicamp highlights the unpredictable nature of an NFL career, especially for undrafted players. After being waived by the Chiefs, Brooks quickly found a new opportunity with the Buccaneers, where he will compete for a spot in a talented safety room. His college career at Tennessee, marked by steady improvement and key performances, has prepared him for this moment. As he steps onto the field in Tampa Bay, Brooks carries with him the lessons of hard work and resilience that have defined his journey so far. Whether this chapter leads to a roster spot or further opportunities, one thing is clear: Will Brooks is not done chasing his NFL dream.
