John Brooks played for Exeter City in the Plymouth and District League before the club turned professional in 1908.

Having appeared for Tavistock during 1904/05, he made his Ist team debut against Plymouth Argyle Reserves on 2 December 1905 and played in eight of that season’s twelve games. He had played for the 2nd X1 and in appeared in the public practice in September 1905. 

A stonemason in Tavistock John moved to Exeter to work for Harry Hems. the renowned ecclesiastical sculptor on Longbrook Street. By 1911 he was working at Dartmoor prison. 

John died in Exeter in 1958.