Derrick Brooks is growing so old that a local kid who grew up idolizing him is now his teammate.

When Julius Wilson grew up in Bradenton he adored the Bucs. Specifically, Wilson worshipped Bucs linebacker Derrick Brooks. So much so that one of Wilson’s treasured possessions is Brooks’ autograph. He also has a Brooks No. 55 Bucs jersey.

So imagine the emotions that ran through the offensive tackle’s head when, on his first day as a member of the Bucs practice squad, Wilson had to lay out and block Brooks, putting the future Hall of Famer on the ground. Wilson eagerly told Roger Mooney of the Bradenton Herald about the incident.

“I was like, ‘Derrick, my bad,’ ” Wilson said.

Joe is always happy to see a homegrown player get to play on his hometown team, even if it is only the practice squad.