Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro linebacker Derrick Brooks received the 2006 PeyBack Award during the annual Pathfinder Awards Banquet at Conseco Fieldhouse on Sunday, June 25.

The Pathfinder Awards Banquet, held in conjunction with the Youthlinks Indiana Charity Golf Tournament, annually celebrates the accomplishments of individuals who contribute to the advancement of youth throughout the community. Along with Brooks, Archie and Olivia Manning and Tony Dungy were honored with the National and Indiana Pathfinder Awards, respectively.

"We are excited the PeyBack Award is once again presented at the 2006 Pathfinder Awards," said Manning. "Derrick Brooks is an exceptional role model on and off the playing field; he definitely exemplifies the true meaning of our award."

After a one year absence, the PeyBack Award once again was presented at the Pathfinder Awards Banquet. The PeyBack Award is given through the PeyBack Foundation and is given to someone currently or formerly involved in professional football who exhibits character, integrity, honor and who has given back to the game and society.

"We welcomed the return of Peyton's participation and the presentation of his foundation's PeyBack Award during this year's Pathfinder Awards Banquet. Peyton's involvement with the banquet added to the overall experience of the evening for all of our award recipients, honored guests, sponsors, and attendees," said Youthlinks Indiana Chairman Michael Browning.

During his ten years in the NFL, Brooks has become known as a fierce competitor and arguably the NFL's best linebacker. He has been named to the Pro Bowl for nine consecutive years and earned Pro Bowl MVP honors in 2006. The team captain was instrumental in leading the Buccaneers to their first Super Bowl championship in 2002, earning the Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Off the field, Brooks is respected for his distinguished charitable work. Through his Derrick Brooks Charities Foundation, he has touched the lives of thousands of youth, providing them with incredible opportunities to travel on educational excursions that facilitate dreams and stretch the imagination. Known as the Brooks Bunch, he also supports the children of three Boys and Girls Clubs in the Tampa Bay area. In addition, Brooks mentors 40 Brooks Bunch graduates who have received college scholarships through his foundation. Over the past seven years, the Brooks Bunch has allowed Derrick to be a defining influence in these children's lives by offering them friendship, guidance, support, and hope.

In January 2006, Brooks launched a new program in the Tampa Bay area named "First and Goal." Through this program, he is assisting 100 students aged 14-18 with post high school preparedness, whether it is a four-year university, a community college or technical training. Kids from 14-18 are being mentored, tutored and given guidance through a program that is tailored to their individual needs. Most of these children will be first generation college students.

Continuing his work for education, Brooks was named to the Florida State University Board of Trustees in 2003 and the State of Florida's Department of Education Foundation. He has also recently been named to the National Football League's Players Association Diversity Committee.

For more information on Derrick Brook and his Derrick Brook Charities, please visit www.derrickbrookscharities.org.