From Quarterback to Tight End: Gage Brook Embraces New Role for Cowboys
- Jeff Bugher
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
LARAMIE, Wyo. - For Gage Brook, playing football at the University of Wyoming has always been about continuing a family tradition and finding a way to contribute on the field.
After spending the past three seasons in the Cowboys' quarterback room without seeing game action, Brook made one of the biggest decisions of his football career this offseason, approaching the coaching staff about moving to tight end.
The junior from nearby Fort Collins believes the change gives him the best opportunity to help Wyoming win.
“I approached coach this winter," Brook said. "After working with Coach E for all these years, I kind of had a realization- I'm 6 foot 7 and 240 pounds, so I'd like to get on the field. I love to compete."
Brook was a little apprehensive about asking, as he wasn't sure how the coaching staff would respond.
"I went and talked to Coach [Sawvel] about it, kind of truthfully with low hopes, hoping to maybe move in the fall... but he seemed really into it and we got the ball rolling pretty quick on it."
Since then, there has been no looking back.
"I've just been rolling the tight end, doing a little bit of quarterback here and there, but really focusing on the tight end position, which has been great."
Coaches Immediately Supported the Decision
Brook said the transition became much easier because of the support he received from the coaching staff.
"Sawvel seemed pretty interested. He's definitely been supporting me. He’s supported me since the day I went into his office. It's been great."
His future brother-in-law, former Wyoming quarterback, tight end, and current Los Angeles Chargers tight end Evan Svoboda, also approved of the move.
"I talked to him a little bit," Brook said. "He seemed really into my decision as well. He's very supportive. He was definitely behind me on it."
Svoboda made a similar move during the 2024 season.
Learning an Entirely New Position
Although Brook played quarterback throughout high school and college, he's embraced learning every detail of the tight end position and every nuance.
"I've been working with Coach [Shannon] Moore. He's been getting me on the details and stuff. And honestly, I've been getting a lot of help from the guys in the room."
He credits his teammates in the tight end room for accelerating the learning curve.
"Most of them have been playing the tight end position their whole life. So they have a little bit more knowledge of the position banked up than I do. So getting pointers from them and then pointers from coach have really helped strengthen my game."
A Different Kind of Touchdown
One of Brook's biggest spring moments came when he hauled in his first touchdown catch.
"That's my first touchdown catch I've had," Brook said with a smile. "It's interesting to be on the other end of the ball rather than throwing it to catch a touchdown, but it's still just as fun."
Even after years of playing quarterback, the emotions weren't overwhelming.
"It's just playing football. I've been playing football my whole life," he said. "Whether you're playing tight end, running back, wide receiver, quarterback, it's all still the same game... but it was super exciting."
Quarterback Experience Still Matters
While tight end is now his primary position, Brook continued taking quarterback reps in the Spring and believes his background gives him an advantage.
"I'm still taking some reps at quarterback," he said. "I'm not really sure what they have planned for me yet, but I'm expecting to be an option for quarterback if I'm ever needed again."
His years studying defenses from behind center have changed how he sees the game.
"Being a college quarterback for the past two, three years kind of gives me a broader vision of the game. It helps me understand concepts and kind of the goal of why we're making these calls... So it's definitely helped my overall understanding of the game."
A Wyoming Family Through and Through
His father, Mark Brook, lettered four seasons for the Cowboys from 1992-95. His mother, Wende (Brown) Brook, was a four-year volleyball letter winner, while his sister Taylor played soccer at Wyoming and is engaged to Svoboda.
When Gage told his family about changing positions, his father couldn't have been happier.
"Honestly, my dad was fired up," Brook said. "He knows what's in my genes. He watched me play youth football. He watched me grow up. He knows I'm a physical kid and I can play tight end. So he was in my corner and supported me the whole way."
Growing Up in CSU Territory... But Never a CSU Fan
Brook's bio says his hometown is Fort Collins, Colorado. But don’t let that fool you…his roots are brown and gold through and through.
"Even living in Fort Collins, that's never been my school," Brook said. "I don't like the color green. I don't go around campus ever. It's just been Wyoming football since I was born. Even being around CSU, I never thought about CSU... It's always been UW for me and my family."
Football Has Always Been Family
Because his father coached high school football, Brook didn't attend as many Wyoming games as he would have liked growing up.
"My dad was my coach at high school, so he's a high school football coach. We didn't have too many free weekends."
Now the roles have reversed.
"They try to get to most of them. Definitely every home game they're there, and they'll definitely be there week one next year."
Overtime: Off The Field
Brook recently moved into his own apartment with his yellow lab, Nala.
When he's looking for a meal in Laramie, he has found a new favorite.
"Right now, I'd probably have to say Hawaiian BBQ. That's kind of been my new spot."
His order?
"I get the teriyaki lunch plate... no salad and I get all rice."
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