Derrick Brooks

My prayers and deepest condolences go out to Coach Chuck Amato’s family, his children, and everyone who loved him. I first met Chuck in the early ’80s when he was recruiting my brother, Fred Jones, who played at Florida State from 1983–1986. He recruited my brother and Pablo Lopez out of the Miami area, and those relationships helped lay the foundation for my own journey to Florida State. Chuck was instrumental in my decision to become a Seminole and a huge part of my life and success at FSU. He always looked out for me. Always. That’s something you never forget. I believe the last time I saw him was in the early 2000s, when he was the head coach at NC State. I brought a young player to his football camp, and it was good to reconnect with someone who had meant so much to my family and me. Years can pass without seeing somebody, but you never forget what they did for you or how they treated you. Thank you, Coach, for looking out for my brother, for looking out for me, and for the impact you made on our lives. You’ll definitely be missed. Rest in paradise, my friend. Rest easy, Nole. 🙏🏾🍢