The Prague Lions have a new defensive coordinator. Former Lions player James Brooks will take over the position for the new season. Fascinating fact: The 35-year-old was still on the field last season.

Brooks was a defensive end for the Lions from 2023 to 2024. During this time, he played 22 games in which he made 81 tackles, including 27.5 for loss and 16 sacks. He also had six forced fumbles and three blocked passes.

Brooks was born in Phoenix, Arizona. He began his football career at the University of Arizona State. Here, he played as a defensive end as well as a tight end. He then joined the North Alabama Lions.

The player becomes the coach

His first stop in Europe was the Cologne Falcons. He later also played in Japan. A successful time. He earned seven All X-League team selections from 2014-2022. In 2016, Brooks joined the Prague Lions, for whom he also played in 2018. 

In 2023, he made his comeback with the Lions, with whom he played two years in the ELF. He will now remain with the team as defensive coordinator. A job he already did for their city rivals, the Prague Black Panthers, in 2019.

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