Mostly, when NFL players retire, they go on to become broadcasters, analysts, or coaches. But Keith Brooking chose to walk down a different path. Starting his career in 1998 with the Falcons, Brooking hung up his cleats in 2012 at the age of 37. After gracing the gridiron for more than a decade, Keith chose to be a head coach at a school. When he retired, the Falcons legend said the same thing almost all players say: that he wants to now spend time with his family and kids. Little did he know he would join as the HC of the school his kids were attending.

After playing linebacker for Georgia Tech, the Atlanta Falcons drafted Keith Brooking in the 1998 NFL Draft as the 12th overall pick. He would then go on to play for the team for 11 seasons, becoming a cornerstone of their defense. After his long stint in Atlanta, Brooking had stints with the Cowboys and the Broncos. But while fans knew Keith as the hard-hitting, fiery presence on the gridiron, life after football brought a different version of him to light, one that was all about family.

So, just in case you don’t know much about Keith’s family life, here’s a closer look at the former linebacker’s world off the field.

Who is Keith Brooking’s wife? Meet Holly Brooking

Keith Brooking has, for the most part, kept his private life away from the spotlight. He’s been married to Holly since 1995, two years before he made his NFL debut. The couple likely met during their college days and have shared a long journey ever since.

One of their favorite getaways has always been Palmetto Bluff. In fact, during Brooking’s offseasons, they often escaped there for some quiet time. The place held special meaning for the couple; it was where they honeymooned. And it eventually became more than just a vacation spot. In 2005, Keith and Holly purchased a lot in Palmetto Bluff for $1.5 million and built a home there.

When Keith retired in 2012, the family moved in full-time. Holly had always loved the place, and it became their peaceful retreat after years in the spotlight. In 2018, they listed their Palmetto Bluff home for sale, not to leave, but to build a bigger house in the same area to accommodate their growing family.

Speaking of their growing family, here’s a bit about Keith and Holly’s children.

Inside Keith and Holly’s family life

Married for Three Decades, Keith and Holly Brooking Are Proud Parents to Four Children. Two sons, Logan and Jonah, and two daughters, Ella and Willa. The couple has mostly kept their children away from media attention. Their kids range in age from 3 to 12, and the family continues to raise them in South Carolina.

“We fell in love with Palmetto Bluff and the area. We love the scenery and the pace of life in the Low Country … It’s a great environment to raise young kids. There are plenty of things for them to do,” Keith once shared. His son Logan is a proud Atlanta Falcons fan, following in the footsteps of his father’s NFL legacy.

Outside of football, Keith Brooking has also made a name for himself through his charitable work. His mom was a foster parent, so he grew up around a lot of kindness and care. That early influence stuck with him. In 2003, he started The Keith Brooking Children’s Foundation to help support and uplift kids in need.

Well, from sharing quiet family moments in Palmetto Bluff with Holly and their kids, to giving back through his foundation, Keith Brooking has crafted a second act grounded in love, legacy, and community.