University of Memphis Athletics
M Club Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1999
Bob Brooks, a native of McKenzie, Tennessee, was a three year starter for the Tiger football team in the mid 1950s. Playing for former head coach Ralph Hatley, Brooks worked as a fullback and helped his team to the school’s first bowl victory, a 32-12 win over East Tennessee State in the Burley Bowl. He earned his BS degree in 1957 and following a stint in the United States Army, returned to the U of M as a graduate assistant coach while earning his master’s degree. After coaching at East High School in Memphis for five years, Brooks joined the Tennessee Division of Vocational Rehabilitation where he worked for 33 years. He retired in 1998 as Program Director. During his spare time, Brooks enjoyed officiating football games and moved from the ranks of high school officiating to become a collegiate football official with the Missouri Valley and Southwest Conferences.
