Brothers was selected by the
Dallas Cowboys in the
sixteenth round (416th overall) of the
1967 NFL/AFL draft, but opted not to sign with the team. On March 14, 1967, he was signed by the
BC Lions of the
Canadian Football League, who already had veteran quarterback
Joe Kapp, but did not know if he would re-sign. In July, Brothers was waived after the Lions had previously acquired
Bernie Faloney to be their starting quarterback. On August 5, he was sent to the
Eugene Bombers of the
Continental Football League to gain more experience. In
1968, Brothers was one of the three starters at quarterback that the Lions used during the season. Named the starter in
1969, he had 200 completions (tied for third in club history) out of 406 attempts, 2,671 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and 33 interceptions. In
1970, Brothers posted 2,604 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions. On September 8,
1971, he was released after starting seven games with a 3–4 record; overall, he started 48 games for the Lions. On September 14,
1971, Brothers began a five-game trial with the
Ottawa Rough Riders, eventually earning a permanent role. On June 17, 1973, he announced his retirement to focus on his real estate business in Oregon. ==Coaching career==