The Hamilton Tiger-Cats released veteran defensive back Cariel Brooks on Friday. The 31-year-old from Miami, Florida, made 35 tackles in 12 games for the Ticats in 2022.
Brooks played five seasons in Hamilton with 207 tackles, two sacks, 12 interceptions, and four forced fumbles in 70 games. The Tiger-Cats signed Brooks as a free agent on August 8th, 2017. During his time as a member of the Ticats, Brooks helped Hamilton reach two Grey Cup title games. He was named a CFL All-Star in 2021 and a two-time CFL East All-Star (2018, 2021).
Brooks signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent from Adams State University and spent most of his career on the practice squad for two seasons. In 2017, he signed with the Toronto Argonauts but was released in June.
Two months later, Brooks signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and played 11 games that year with 34 tackles, one forced fumble, and one interception.
In 2018, Brooks had a breakout year, playing 18 games with 57 tackles, three forced fumbles, and four interceptions on his way to being named CFL East All-Star for the first time in his career. Three years later, Brooks made 23 tackles, one sack, and five interceptions in 12 games during the 2021 season and was named 2021 CFL All-Star and CFL East All-Star.
Collegiately, Brooks played two seasons at Pasadena Community College. Then, he transferred to Adams State (2013-14) with 78 tackles, six interceptions, one touchdown, and 30 pass breakups in 21 games for the Grizzlies.
