Gary Brackett

Gary Lawrence Brackett (born May 23, 1980) is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2003 and played for the team for nine seasons. He played college football at Rutgers.

Early years
Brackett attended Glassboro High School in Glassboro, New Jersey. He was a two-time All-South Jersey selection, a two-time All-Group I choice, and a two-time All-Tri-County Conference choice.

College career
Brackett was a walk-on to the Rutgers University football team. By his senior year, he was captain of the defensive team and won the team's defensive MVP honors.

Professional career
Brackett was signed by the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2003. Brackett was a backup his first two years until he became a starter in 2005. That year he had 127 tackles, three interceptions and a sack. In 2006 he was named defensive captain of the Colts and had 120 tackles. He started for the Colts in their Super Bowl XLI win over the Chicago Bears. In 2007 Brackett recorded 116 tackles and four interceptions. He recorded 99 tackles in both 2008 and 2009. He started for the Colts in their Super Bowl XLIV loss to the New Orleans Saints. He was released following the 2011 season on March 9, 2012.

Personal
During a 16-month span, starting in 2003, Brackett lost his mother, father, and brother.

In 2009 Brackett was the 11th annual recipient of the Arthur S. Arkush Humanitarian Award, presented to an NFL player “whose contributions to the community and charitable organizations are especially outstanding.” He won the award for his work with the IMPACT Foundation, a charity he founded in the spring of 2007.

In 2011, Brackett published Winning: From Walk-On to Captain, In Football and Life, a memoir about his life, including his accomplishments and struggles with family, college, and the NFL.