Jalen Allen Brooks Bio
Jalen Allen Brooks is an American professional football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Brooks was selected in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys and later joined the Arizona Cardinals.
Brooks began his college career at Wingate University before transferring to Tarleton State and finally South Carolina. He earned first-team All-South Atlantic Conference honors in 2019 while at Wingate. After going undrafted in the NFL Draft process, Brooks developed as a rotational wide receiver and special teams contributor.
Early Life and Background
Jalen Allen Brooks was born on May 7, 2000, in Harrisburg, North Carolina. He attended Northwestern High School before transferring to Hickory Ridge High School, where he emerged as one of the area top high school football players. As a senior at Hickory Ridge, Brooks recorded 44 receptions for 771 yards with nine touchdowns, drawing attention from college recruiters across the region. He committed to play college football at Division II Wingate University.
At Wingate, Brooks also competed in track and field, adding speed and athleticism to his football skill set. His dual-sport background contributed to his development as a dynamic offensive player. He grew up in the Harrisburg community with a focus on athletics from an early age, with his family supporting his pursuit of a football career.
His early years in Harrisburg and his high school performance laid the foundation for a college career that would take him through three different programs. The discipline and work ethic developed during those years helped Brooks navigate the challenges of multiple transfers and the demands of major college football.
Path to American Football
Brooks commitment to Wingate University in North Carolina represented the first step toward his professional football career. As a true freshman in 2018, he appeared in 12 games and posted 17 receptions for 297 yards and four touchdowns. The following year, he started 11 of his 12 appearances and recorded 35 catches for 751 yards with six touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the top receivers in the South Atlantic Conference.
His 2019 season included 100-yard receiving games against Virginia-Wise, Newberry, and UNC Pembroke. He contributed to Wingate 10-2 record and playoff berth that same year, earning first-team All-South Atlantic Conference recognition. Brooks also ran track at Wingate, further developing the speed and conditioning that would serve him at higher levels of competition.
Brooks initially transferred to Tarleton State in 2020 but moved again to South Carolina before the season began. Denied eligibility until the fifth game, he played in six contests with 11 receptions for 100 yards. In 2021, he started the first six games and recorded 14 catches for 181 yards with one touchdown before leaving the team for personal reasons. He returned to South Carolina prior to the 2022 season and started all 12 games, registering 33 catches for 504 yards and one touchdown along with four rushes for 51 yards and another rushing score.
Jalen Allen Brooks Career
Early Career (2018-2022)
Brooks college career began at Wingate University in 2018, where he quickly became a productive receiver as a true freshman. He built on that success in 2019 with a breakout season that earned him first-team All-South Atlantic Conference honors and a playoff berth with his team. His tenure at Wingate included 52 receptions for 1,048 yards and 10 touchdowns over two seasons.
The transfer to South Carolina brought new challenges and higher competition. Brooks adapted to the Football Bowl Subdivision level, contributing as a receiver and occasional rusher. His senior season in 2022 produced the best numbers of his college career, with 33 receptions for 504 yards and two total touchdowns across receiving and rushing. After missing the Gator Bowl for an off-field issue, he declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2023-2025)
Brooks was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round (244th overall pick) of the 2023 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he appeared in seven games and recorded six receptions for 64 yards. He was declared inactive in 11 contests during his first season, spending much of the year learning the NFL system and contributing on the scout team.
In 2024, Brooks appeared in 14 games and made his first career start in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons, collecting two receptions for 26 yards. He caught a career-long 41-yard pass in Week 14 against the Washington Commanders and scored his first NFL touchdown in Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers. Brooks also recorded four special teams tackles that season and appeared in three more games before being declared inactive for the final stretch.
In 2025, Brooks faced increased competition for a roster spot during the Dallas Cowboys preseason. He was waived as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. In Week 5, he was elevated to play against the New York Jets but suffered a knee injury. The Cowboys released Brooks with an injury settlement on October 25, 2025.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2025-Present)
On October 30, 2025, Brooks signed with the Arizona Cardinals practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster three times before receiving a permanent promotion on December 16 to provide wide receiver depth amid injuries to other players. Brooks appeared in six games for the Cardinals, making three receptions for 51 yards and returning 10 kickoffs for 254 yards.
The Cardinals used Brooks as both a receiver and kick returner, taking advantage of his speed and versatility. He brought stability to the special teams unit while adding depth at wide receiver during a period of significant injury challenges for the team. His experience in the Dallas Cowboys system allowed him to contribute quickly after being signed to the practice squad.
Driving Style and Strengths
Brooks is known for his speed and route-running ability, skills developed through his background in both football and track at Wingate University. He brings versatility to the wide receiver position, having contributed as both a receiver and returner at the professional level. His experience across multiple college programs demonstrates his adaptability and willingness to compete for opportunities.
Notable Events and Milestones
Brooks scored his first career NFL touchdown in Week 15 of the 2024 season against the Carolina Panthers, marking a significant personal milestone. He also recorded a career-long 41-yard reception in Week 14 of that same season against the Washington Commanders. His selection in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft remains a defining career moment, as he fought to establish himself on one of the most competitive rosters in the league.
Jalen Allen Brooks Career Wins
Jalen Allen Brooks has recorded receiving statistics across multiple NFL seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals. His career numbers reflect his development as a rotational receiver and special teams contributor at the professional level.
Dallas Cowboys Highlights
Brooks recorded 18 receptions for 241 yards and one receiving touchdown across three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. His first career touchdown came in Week 15 of the 2024 season against the Carolina Panthers. He also recorded four special teams tackles during the 2024 season. His most notable play came in Week 14 of 2024, a 41-yard reception against the Washington Commanders.
Arizona Cardinals Highlights
After joining the Arizona Cardinals in late October 2025, Brooks appeared in six games and made three receptions for 51 yards. He added 254 kickoff return yards on 10 returns. His contributions on special teams provided added value for a Cardinals team facing wide receiver injuries late in the season.
| Series | Wins | Top Tens | Poles |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career (through 2025) | — | — | — |
Jalen Allen Brooks Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jalen Allen Brooks was born in Harrisburg, North Carolina, and grew up in a family environment that supported his athletic development. Information about his parents and extended family is not publicly available in verified sources. He attended Hickory Ridge High School in his hometown, where he established himself as a standout football player before committing to Wingate University.
Personal Life
Brooks keeps his personal life out of the public spotlight. He is not married and has no publicly documented spouse or children. Limited personal information is available through verified public sources, with his focus primarily on his professional football career.
2025 Season Performance
Brooks 2025 season began with the Dallas Cowboys but ended with the Arizona Cardinals. Waived during final roster cuts in August, he spent several weeks without a team before signing to the Cardinals practice squad on October 30. He appeared in six games following his promotion to the active roster on December 16.
With Arizona, Brooks made three receptions for 51 yards and returned 10 kickoffs for 254 yards. The Cardinals relied on him for wide receiver depth during a period when injuries depleted their receiving corps. He was elevated three times from the practice squad during the season before earning a permanent roster spot.
Brooks brought versatility to the Arizona Cardinals roster, contributing as both a receiver and a returner. His experience in the Dallas Cowboys offense allowed him to integrate quickly with his new team. He finished the 2025 season as a depth contributor for a Cardinals team navigating significant injury challenges at wide receiver, with an opportunity to compete for a larger role in the offense heading forward.