This is a painful post for Joe to type, even though it was as obvious as the glow of Rachel Watson’s tan.

Derrick Brooks is done. It’s not official; he hasn’t called a press conference (yet) to say he’s finished. But the greatest linebacker in Bucs history confessed to eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune that his playing days are virtually over.

“You always keep your door open, but realistically, how good does the situation have to be for me to play again?” Brooks told the Tribune during lunch at one of the Bay area’s most exclusive golf clubs. “I just know that situation hasn’t occurred and it if doesn’t, you close the book and you move on. To me, I have no problems doing that.”

What about a formal retirement day at Raymond James Stadium to let fans show their appreciation?

“To me, I get that every day when I come across someone in the community,” said Brooks, who began a streak of 10 consecutive Pro Bowl berths in 1997. “I didn’t think about it until people started showing their gratitude, telling me they appreciate the way I played the game and what I do for the community.”

Brooks last year all but admitted that his salary demands kept him unemployed. Add to that most teams didn’t want to add an aging yet intelligent veteran who refused to play special teams.

Derrick Brooks will always have a soft spot in Joe’s heart.

Or should Joe say, “Senator Derrick Brooks?”