Silent stars: as the NFL's spotlight shines on marquee offensive players and big names in big games, defensive standouts such as John Parrella and Keith Brooking excel in the shadows

Sporting News, The, June 17, 2002 by Vinnie Iyer

While some players are glorified, canonized and supersized in the NFL, others develop into league's best and brightest without the slightest glimmer of the pubic spotlight. They can go for years without a Madden Moment simply because their teams aren't worthy of a bus trip.

But coaches and NFL insiders are aware of the talents of everyone who steps on the field. They know there are special talents in the outskirts of the division races. And they know there are special forces operating in the middle of the scrum while teammates dominate the marquee.

Raiders defensive tackle John Parrella and Falcons linebacker Keith Brooking are two of the NFL's silent stars. Parrella was an unsung pillar of strength for many seasons with the mediocre Chargers before signing with the Raiders this offseason. Brooking broke out last season--he was selected to the Pro Bowl--but largely has been overshadowed by a preponderance of premium linebackers such as Ray Lewis, Junior Seau, Derrick Brooks, Zach Thomas and Brian Urlacher.

The durable defender

To know John Parrella is to respect him--and Raider Nation will like getting to know John Parrella.

The feeling will be mutual. After eight seasons with the AFC West-rival Chargers, Parrella, a premier, run-stuffing defensive tackle, is ready to play for the crazy crowd in Oakland.

"I've thought about how neat it would be to have them cheering for me," he says.

Considering Parrella lists Harley-Davidsons and heavy metal music under his hobbies, Oakland's gallery of rogues will be cheering for one of their own. Silver and Black couldn't be a more appropriate color scheme for his new digs.

And while he easily could feel at home in the stands, Parrella will be an even better fit in the Raiders' veteran-laden roster

Well-seasoned at 32, he still is younger than several of his new teammates, including linebacker Bill Romanowski, 36, and safety Rod Woodson, 37, the Raiders' other prominent defensive free-agent acquisitions this offseason.

And from his years of toiling for a familiar foe, Parrella has held his interior battles with the Raiders' veteran offensive linemen in high regard. "I've always liked Steve Wisniewski," Parrella says of the Raiders' former standout guard. "It's a funny thing that when I get here, he retires."

Another attraction to Oakland was Parrena's admiration for the organization and the philosophy of defensive line coach Mike Waufle.

"He challenges you in different areas," says Parrella. "It's helped me from how I get off the line to my hand placement and hand strength."

Driven and powered by his religious faith, Parrella shows a powerful work ethic, both in running down plays and improving himself off the field. One of the league's most durable defenders, he has started every game the last five seasons.

He has the same offseason goals as he prepares for his first season as a Raider. "You try to gain something," Parrella says. "You try to get leaner and meaner."

"He's a true pro with an excellent motor," says Saints offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy, who saw a lot of Parrella when he was an assistant coach with the Chiefs from 1993-98. "He's a high-effort player for 60 minutes."

Parrella should bring sturdy production to a Raiders line that last year was plagued by the suspensions of Darrell Russell and the inconsistency of Grady Jackson, who signed with the Saints this spring.

Because there are no glossy stats to measure the true value of consistently shooting gaps and dogging running lanes, defensive tackle always will be an underappreciated position. But for Parrella, the only appreciation he needs comes from his teammates.

"As long as the guys around me know what I can do and what I'm doing, that's all that matters," he says.

The quick-change artist

When watching film of the Falcons, you better watch Keith Brooking like a hawk. If you blink, you'll miss him.

That's pretty much what happens to most offensive linemen when their first move in trying to contain him is a false one.

"The biggest thing about Keith is he's very mobile," says 49ers offensive line coach Patrick Morris. "He's quick in his rushes. As with any fast guy, you need get to him with fast counteractions."

Brooking also is quick to pick up on changes. In four seasons, he has gone from nickel linebacker to weakside linebacker to the middle in a 4-3 to his role in 2002: starting on the inside in new coordinator Wade Phillips' 3-4 scheme.

Just weeks into his crash course in the new alignment, Brooking is more than comfortable.

"If you change your defense, you can't make it too complicated," Brooking says. "Wade allows his players to play nimble. There's not too much thinking; we can let our natural abilities take over. And that plays to our strengths."

Speed is the theme of the Falcons' linebacker unit, anchored by Brooking and outside man Patrick Kerney, a converted end, who broke out with 12 sacks last season.

Kerney, Mark Simoneau, Chris Draft and Matt Stewart all have less experience than Brooking, and veterans John Thierry and John Holecek are entering their first seasons with Atlanta. As dean of the Falcons' linebackers, Brooking prides himself on leading by example.