GREEN BAY – There's a quiet ease in Chris Brooks' voice as he recapitulates all the job responsibilities associated with his role in the Packers' backfield.
The third-year running back is equal parts ballcarrier, pass catcher, run blocker and pass protector. He's also a core member of Green Bay's special teams units, whether it's as an upback on punts or running down the field on kickoffs.
After joining the Packers' practice squad last September, Brooks needed just a couple weeks in the system to earn a promotion to the active roster. He's been there ever since, playing 16 games (including playoffs).
In the process, Brooks has become a skeleton key within Coach Matt LaFleur's offense – a versatile piece who can fit anywhere depending on where he's needed.
"There's nothing he can't do obviously as a runner but certainly the passing game, as well," LaFleur said. "He's a hell of a protector. He's got good hands out of the backfield. We've put him many times running those choice routes out of the backfield. There's nothing he can't do."
Often speaking more with his playstyle than his words, Brooks is the personification of a football player. He's an unsung hero in the Packers' locker room and an accountable veteran always willing to offer a helping hand to younger teammates.
Because the 6-foot-1, 219-pound running back traveled that road himself after breaking into the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Miami in 2023. Three games into his pro career, Brooks broke a 52-yard run in the Dolphins' 70-20 rout of Denver.
He was off to another strong start to training camp last summer, breaking a 59-yard run in a preseason game against Washington. In that same game, however, Brooks suffered a concussion that led to the Dolphins waiving him with an injury settlement.
Shortly thereafter, Brooks was bound for Green Bay and a Packers roster that had recently lost veteran AJ Dillon (neck) for the season. He was an immediate fit for LaFleur's offense.
Despite arriving on late notice, Brooks earned the opportunity to spell Josh Jacobs as a third-down back while becoming a featured contributor in the Packers' two-RB "Pony" package alongside either Jacobs or third-year veteran Emanuel Wilson.
"Chris is a dawg. I'm learning from Chris, honestly," Wilson said. "He just brings something different to the team. He can play the F (fullback). He can play the H(-back) and he's a hell of a player on special teams, as well. Having Chris around is wonderful."
With Jacobs and Wilson doing most of the heavy lifting in terms of rushing the football, Brooks occasionally served as a lead blocker for his fellow running backs.
He equates most of his success as a pass protector to a combination of technique and effort, two attributes he's worked hard to develop throughout his football career.
Before he started winning those reps with regularity, Brooks was calloused by learning through experience at both the college and pro level.
"I had to develop it over time," Brooks said. "I had to lose a lot. I had to win and had to lose again and (learn) how to look at that and how to get better at it."
Known for his versatility, Brooks brings plenty to the table as a natural ballcarrier, too. Last season, he tallied 183 yards and a touchdown on 36 carries (5.1 yards per attempt) to go along with 11 catches for 69 yards.
Beyond just offense, Brooks carved out a prominent position on Green Bay's special teams, where he played 132 snaps and recorded three coverage tackles (including playoffs).
"He's obviously a very versatile person," linebacker Kristian Welch said. "Yeah, he's a running back but he's got this bigger kind of frame. He's a stout body. There's a lot of places for special teams that can kind of stick him in here or there, being as strong as he is and also pretty fast."
The Packers have a lot of talent in the backfield, with Wilson back for Year 3 and 2024 third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd flashing when healthy. Former draft picks from elsewhere, Israel Abanikanda and Tyrion Davis-Price, also have joined the fray during camp.
A veteran player with an undrafted mindset, Brooks keeps running his own race. Yes, the short-notice debut was great, but Brooks has even bigger goals for 2025.
It all goes back to the biggest things running backs coach Ben Sirmans constantly preaches to his pupils – it's the backfield's responsibility to set the tone for the offense.
That's a mantra Brooks carries with him on the field in whatever capacity he serves.
"We're still kind of in the beginning process but it's meant a lot and I'm definitely grateful," said Brooks of the opportunity he's had in Green Bay.
"I attribute a lot of the success to the detail the coaches were able to apply with me, for them to give me access to all the information I need and get rolling."
