Rookie RB Jonathon Brooks did catch a few eyeballs when the Carolina Panthers roped him in the 2024 season, with a 4-year contract worth $8,417,082. But behind his quiet demeanor, there lies a journey. A journey rooted in the memories of those he deems special.

His story is deeply rooted in his family. At the heart of his journey are his mother, Jennifer Donovan, and his late father, James “Skip” Brooks, who ensured that his passion for the game could see the light.

Who are Jennifer Donovan and James Brooks?

Brooks grew up in Hallettsville, Texas. A small town where football was more than a pastime. A legacy. James Brooks was a truck driver and former athlete. A former high school running back himself, he played in Shiner, Texas, in the late ’80s and early ’90s. He apparently used to joke around with his boys about how great an RB he was back in the day. “You’re lucky they didn’t have video back then,” he would say.

Despite juggling a demanding job as a truck driver, Skip made time to coach his son’s youth football teams while he was alive. He desperately tried to ensure his passion for the game lived on through his sons. Jennifer worked tirelessly to support the boys.

Mom Jennifer Donovan has been a cornerstone in the young RB Jonathon’s life. She became Jonathon’s anchor as a single mother after James passed away, and helped him navigate the challenges of football and life. But Skip’s death in 2022 profoundly shaped the family’s path.

The love for football in the Brooks household has been a family tradition. Skip’s playful yet competitive spirit pushed both Jonathon and the elder Jordon to excel. “He was kind of an introvert. He didn’t show a whole lot… But I do want to believe that he would have some tears. I do. Just proud. Just feeling really happy that his child has done this. And he pushed it and wanted it so bad for him.” Jennifer shared in an interview dated November 2024.

Even after Skip’s death, the influence remains as Jennifer recounts how Jonathon honors his father before every game, pointing to the sky after scoring touchdowns.

Jonathon Brooks remembers his deceased father ahead of his grand debut

Jonathon Brooks’s journey to the NFL hasn’t been easy. After an ACL injury sidelined him for months, his debut with the Carolina Panthers marked a triumphant comeback. But for Jonathon, this milestone is bittersweet.

“I play for a bigger reason,” he shared in the interview after his draft. “I play for God, my family.” His sentiments echo in his pre-game rituals and the tattoo he and Jordon got in memory of Skip. A Roman numeral date of his passing, etched with “Dad.” Heartwarming indeed!

“My dad would be going nuts for all this. He’d be ready to go down to Carolina. He’d be talking about it at his job,” Jordon said after Jonathon’s selection. “Because all this stuff we’ve done beforehand… Wherever we went to play — I can’t imagine how happy he is right now.” Jordon’s words reflected the emotion shared by the Brooks brothers.

“I feel like he’s there for me. He’s always with me,” Jonathon said. “And I know if he was here, he’d be sitting right next to me on that couch because he was my biggest fan.” Jonathon also attributes her shy personality to his father, who according to him was ‘quiet.’ “That’s kind of where I get my shyness and quiet (personality) from. He was just a good person overall to everybody in Hallettsville.” Jordan said reflecting on his father and his legacy.

Skip’s death in March 2022 left a void, but it also fueled Jonathon’s determination. His father’s dreams live on. In every practice, every run, and every touchdown, Jonathon accomplishes. For the Brooks family, it’s not just about the game; it’s about honoring the man who made it possible. Every step Jonathon takes reminds us that some victories are about more than just football.