Karl Brooks Reflects On His Rookie Season: 'It’s A Mental Game'

His presence marked a historic moment. It was the first time in the history of Cheeseheads Brazil — and any Brazilian Packers page, as far as I can tell — that someone had hosted a Packers player for an interview.

Our conversation with Brooks began by delving into the early stages of the offseason as we inquired about his well-being. “It’s a mental game,” he responded. Reflecting on the demanding transition from a lengthy college season to preseason games, the regular season, and ultimately the postseason, Brooks highlighted that managing the mental aspects has been his most significant challenge thus far.

Nobody imposed sports on Brooks. Rather, they ran naturally in the family. Brooks initiated his journey into athletics at age eight and focused on football. He also engaged in basketball and baseball during his formative years, but football emerged as his favorite. Brooks’ affinity for the sport resonated with his father, who gradually began to take football more seriously.

Brooks holds a college degree in “human development.” I asked him about how his background in this field aids in fostering chemistry and friendships within the locker room, and Brooks highlighted his collegiate years. He emphasized how his studies gave him valuable insights into leadership dynamics, enabling him to approach teammates from diverse backgrounds and cultures. He highlighted that while some individuals share his passion for football, others express it differently, necessitating a nuanced approach to communication and camaraderie within the team.

I asked Brooks about his plan to bridge the gap between the current off-season stage and the commencement of the first team activities in April. “I talked to my agency and my loved ones,” he said. Brooks revealed that collectively, they opted for a gradual return to workouts instead of an immediate, full-fledged intensity. He has been balancing between yoga and pilates sessions, emphasizing his desire to stay prepared rather than having to get ready when the official offseason program kicks in.

Cheeseheads Brazil asked him about the perennial debate in the realm of defensive linemen and edge rushers, whether pressures or sacks hold more significance.

To me, pressures are more important. I’m a guy who would prefer having five pressures than one sack in a game. I’d take pressures because it means I’m getting to the quarterback’s face, I’m being disruptive, and I can force him to make a bad throw, and we have amazing corners on the back end that can capitalize on that.

Brooks provided an honest perspective when probed about Green Bay’s October losing streak and their response to fan and media criticism.

During the season, I’m rarely on my phone, so I don’t really get into that. I just care about the people in the locker room and try to handle our business. What we see, we use as motivation. Losing is not fun, and we try not to get into what the media is saying; the focus has always been about football.

I asked him about his mentors and individuals who have influenced his career and approach to the game on and off the field. Brooks immediately credited his mother.

“My mother since Day 1,” he declared, with his voice carrying a resonance of deep admiration. “I’ve seen her waking up at 5:30 a.m. every day without complaint. Her work ethic left an indelible mark on me.”

When the topic shifted to new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Brooks remained straightforward and honest. “I haven’t had the opportunity to meet and talk to him yet,” he said, “but I’m excited for what he can bring to us.”

Brooks’ openness and honesty in our conversation left an indelible impression. You can’t root against him. He embodies humility, respect, and a diligent work ethic. His focused approach to the game and his genuine and straightforward demeanor resonated with our audience. The anticipation and excitement among our Brazilian audience when we announced Brooks as a guest were palpable. It’s safe to say he earned not just fans on the field but also admirers of his character off of it.