| Nationality |  United States |
|---|---|
| Past Teams | Prague Lions |
| Age | 37 |
James Richard Brooks is a name synonymous with resilience and defensive mastery in European and Japanese American Football. The Flagstaff, Arizona native transitioned from an impactful playing career—most notably as a relentless defensive end—straight into the coaching ranks, quickly ascending to the role of Head Coach for the Prague Lions in the European League of Football (ELF) for the 2026 season. Known for his fierce, physical style on the field, Brooks brings a staunch defensive mindset to the Lions’ leadership, having first served as the team’s Defensive Coordinator in a breakout 2025 season. An Arizona State alumnus, Brooks boasts a remarkable international career that includes seven consecutive All X-League selections in Japan and multiple stints across Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. His intimate familiarity with the Lions’ organization, both as a defensive stalwart from 2023-2024 and a successful coordinator, positions him as the perfect leader to build upon the franchise’s momentum and guide them to their next phase of development in European football’s elite competition.
Previous stations
- Flagstaff High School (Flagstaff, Arizona) – **Player** (Tight End/Defensive End)
- Arizona State Sun Devils (NCAA DI) – **Player** (2007–2010)
- North Alabama Lions (NCAA DII) – **Player** (2011)
- Cologne Falcons (GFL, Germany) – **Player** (2013)
- Kozły Poznań (Poland) – **Player/Defensive Coordinator** (2014–2015)
- IBM Big Blue (X-League, Japan) – **Player** (2014–2022)
- Prague Lions (ČLAF, Czech Republic) – **Player** (2016, 2018)
- Prague Black Panthers (AFL, Austria) – **Defensive Coordinator** (2019-2021)
- Prague Lions (ELF) – **Player** (Defensive End) (2023–2024)
- Prague Lions (ELF) – **Defensive Coordinator** (2025)
- Prague Lions (ELF) – **Head Coach** (2026–Present)
Credits
- James Brooks named new Head Coach of the Prague Lions – European League of Football
- EFA: Prague Lions name James Brooks new HC – American Football International
- James Brooks (defensive end) – Wikipedia
- James Brooks retires to become new Lions Defensive Coordinator – European League Football
- James Brooks – a man of three cultures – American Football International
Achievements
Team Achievements
- Pac-10 Co-Winner with Arizona State (2007).
- Reached the Czech Bowl with the Prague Lions (ČLAF) in 2016 (Lost in the final).
- Helped lead the Prague Black Panthers to the Austrian Football League (AFL) Semifinals as Defensive Coordinator (2019).
- Contributed to the Prague Lions’ first winning season (7-5) in the ELF and near playoff appearance as Defensive Coordinator (2025).
Personal Achievements
- 7× All X-League Team selection (Japan) (2014−2020).
- Big Blue Team MVP (IBM Big Blue, 2014).
- Selected to American Football International’s (AFI) All-Pandemic Team (2020).
- Was a three-star prospect coming out of high school.
- Acknowledged as a talented defensive end and a leader of the Prague Lions’ locker room during his playing tenure.
Selected Statistics
- During his three seasons for the Arizona State Sun Devils (NCAA DI), Brooks recorded 53 total tackles, 9 sacks, 18 tackles for a loss, and one interception.
- In his final college season at North Alabama, he recorded 55 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks.
- In his two seasons with the Prague Lions in the ELF (2023-2024), he compiled 81 total tackles, including an impressive 27.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks.
- As a player for the Lions in the ELF, he also forced six fumbles and blocked three passes.
- As Defensive Coordinator in the 2025 ELF season, his defense ranked 7th in both pass and rush defense, registered 24 total sacks, and finished with a +14 turnover ratio, which was the second-best in the ELF.
Other
- **Full Name:** James Richard Brooks.
- **Hometown:** Flagstaff, Arizona, where he was a multi-sport standout in high school, playing football and basketball.
- **College Highlight:** He is best remembered in his college career for blocking two crucial point after attempts (PATs) in 2010, which contributed to a dramatic double-overtime victory for Arizona State against their arch-rival, Arizona.
- **Dual Career in Japan:** From 2014 to 2022, Brooks maintained a successful, long-term commitment to the IBM Big Blue in Japan’s X-League, often playing in Asia during the fall/winter season and in Europe during the spring/summer season, showcasing an incredible dedication to the international game.
- **Player-to-Coach Transition:** Brooks retired as a player in November 2024 to become the Defensive Coordinator for the Lions, a role he held for a year before being promoted to Head Coach.
- **Coach’s Quote:** The Prague Lions’ official announcement of his promotion highlighted his “physical and passionate style of play” and emphasized his “familiarity with the team, both as a player and coach, combined with his defensive mindset,” giving Prague a strong foundation.
- **ELF Rookie Season Success:** In his first ELF season with the Lions in 2023, he immediately made an impact, recording 8.5 sacks, 14 TFLs, and 4 forced fumbles, solidifying his role as a team leader.
