PHOENIX Bucs LB Derrick Brooks is used to pitching Tampa Bay’s amenities to potential free agents, but he spent Friday selling his hometown to anyone who would listen.
Brooks helped the Tampa Bay Super Bowl Host Committee promote next year’s event at an informational booth in the Phoenix Convention Center. Tampa Bay will host its fourth Super Bowl on Feb. 1, 2009, at Raymond James Stadium, and Brooks used his notoriety to create a buzz about that game.

“I wanted to let the committee members know they are appreciated and I always try to connect the community with our sports. Maybe we can be a group to make history by hosting the Super Bowl and playing in it,” Brooks said. “I just want to make it better [for the committee]. Tampa has always gotten a lot of respect for hosting the Super Bowl.”

Brooks encouraged anyone passing by to attend next year’s Super Bowl and he even handed out brochures and commemorative pins of the event. He also took pictures with fans during his brief visit.

Tampa Bay GM Bruce Allen spoke with several members of the national media Friday by the booth and also promoted next year’s Super Bowl.

“[Phoenix] is a beautiful town that has a lot to offer, but it doesn’t have our water. It doesn’t have our skyline. And it doesn’t have a lot of the passion we have,” Allen said. “[Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl] will be exciting. There is no question about it.”