LSU’s Greg Brooks Jr. diagnosed with rare brain cancer

Field Level Media|published: Wed 4th October, 17:06 2023

Jan 2, 2023; Orlando, FL, USA; LSU Tigers safety Greg Brooks Jr. (3) gestures after an interception during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Camping World Stadium. credits: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

LSU starting safety and team captain Greg Brooks Jr. has been diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer weeks after having a large tumor removed from his brain.

Brooks' family and LSU announced Wednesday that he has medulloblastoma and faces months of rehab.

On the positive side, the chief medical officer at Our Lady of the Lake Health said there's no indication that the cancer spread. Brooks underwent the surgery Sept. 15 to remove the tumor, which was lodged between his cerebellum and brainstem.

"Greg's speech and ability to communicate has been impacted, and although he is responsive and working daily with physical therapy, he will face months of intensive rehabilitation," Catherine O'Neal said in a statement. "The surgery was successful in removing the tumor, and there is no evidence that the cancer has spread."

Brooks played the first two games of the season before missing LSU's contest against Mississippi State on Sept. 16 with what coach Brian Kelly called a "medical emergency."

Brooks had the surgery the day before that game after tests revealed "a large brain tumor." Brooks had the tests after experiencing "another episode of dizziness" Sept. 13. He had bouts with vertigo symptoms in preseason camp.

"Greg has been a daily inspiration to us all," Brooks' family said in a statement. "He fights like a Tiger each day and continues to make incremental improvements. We have a long road ahead and are appreciative of the support from our LSU family and Tiger fans. ... Greg is a warrior! Please continue to keep No. 3, and our entire family, in your prayers."

A fifth-year senior, Brooks is from Louisiana and transferred to LSU from Arkansas in 2022. He started 13 of 14 games last season and finished fifth on the team with 66 tackles.

Brooks was a starting safety at Arkansas from 2019-21 and played high school football in Harvey, La., near New Orleans.

Brooks' father, Greg Brooks Sr., played one season at Michigan and three seasons at Southern Miss. He was a sixth-round pick in the 2004 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.

—Field Level Media

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