Keith Brooking not ready to retire

Updated: December 14, 2010, 8:39 PM ET

By Tim MacMahon | ESPNDallas.com

IRVING, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys linebacker Keith Brooking only has 140 games to go to equal Brett Favre's NFL ironman record.

That obviously isn't going to happen. But the 35-year-old Brooking, having made more than 1,300 tackles during his 13-year NFL career, hopes he can play at least one more.

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"I feel like I've got something left in the tank," said Brooking, who has been bothered by injuries this season. "I can contribute to a team in some capacity, but you don't look too far ahead in this league."

Brooking has played in 157 consecutive games -- the second-longest streak among linebackers behind Washington's London Fletcher. He spent his first 11 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons before joining the Cowboys in 2009.

Brooking, who has one season remaining on his contract with the Cowboys, was reluctant to discuss the subject of his future. His sole focus is on finishing this season strong. But he also acknowledged that the decision on whether he plays next year might not be his to make.

First of all, there might not be an NFL season due to the league's labor issues. There's also a possibility that the Cowboys could opt to part ways with their inspirational captain and promote Sean Lee to the starting lineup, which might leave Brooking looking for another team.

Tim MacMahon covers the Cowboys for ESPNDallas.com. You can follow him on Twitter.