Professional Career
Brockington was the Green Bay Packers 1st round draft choice, the ninth selection overall, in 1971. Brockington was the first NFL player to ever rush for 1,000 or more yards in each of his first three seasons. In 1971 Brockington was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press. Brockington was named All-Pro in 1971, 2nd Team All-Pro in 1973 and All-NFC in 1972. Brockington was also selected to 3 consecutive Pro Bowls (1971–1973).
His first running mate in the Green Bay backfield was another former Packer first round draft choice, Donny Anderson. Anderson was traded the following season to the St. Louis Cardinals for running back MacArthur Lane. Together, Brockington and Lane formed a dynamic running duo in the backfield, carrying the Packers offense between 1972 and 1974.
With a running style based on his great strength, Brockington epitomized the power running back - a player who preferred to break tackles and run over defenders rather than run away from them. He was one of the first running backs to combine brute force with speed.
Brockington's success was short-lived, however. After eclipsing 1,000 yards rushing during each of his first three seasons, he never attained the same level. He ran for 883 yards in 1974 and only 434 the following year. This was the result of typical wear-and-tear, the departure of Lane after the 1974 season and changes in the Packers' playbook that did not take advantage of Brockington's abilities. After the first game of the 1977 season, he was released by the Packers and subsequently signed by the Kansas City Chiefs. He retired following the season.
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