“Has Been Diagnosed”: LSU Football Faces Stormy Times as Senior Captain’s Life Hangs in the Balance

Louisiana State University Tigers football player Greg Brooks Jr. was suddenly overwhelmed by symptoms of vertigo on the 13th of September, a condition that had plagued him earlier this year. After undergoing an MRI, the results shocked both his family and the athletics/NFL community at Louisiana State University.

The 22-year-old football player had to be rushed to a Baton Rouge hospital, where he underwent critical brain surgery that, though successful, affected his communication and speech. Brooks is facing a few challenging months ahead of him, but support has pooled in from everywhere. The LSU head coach, Brian Kelly, reached out to his followers through Platform X in hopes of expanding the channels of support for Brooks and his family.

Support pooling in for LSU safety Greg Brooks Jr.

The senior captain at LSU has been diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer called medulloblastoma. Greg Brooks Jr. underwent successful surgery on September 15 to remove the tumor, which was situated between his cerebellum and brain stem. However, the surgery has affected Greg’s speech and communication abilities, as explained by Dr. Catherine O’Neal from Our Lady of the Lake Health.

Numerous people, including the football community at LSU, have voiced their support for Greg Brooks Jr. The official Instagram handle of the university put up a post saying, “Our senior captain Greg Brooks Jr. has been diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, medulloblastoma. Please continue to pray for 3 and support the Greg Brooks Fund at the link in our bio 💛,” urging people to show support by contributing to a fund established by the Tiger Athletic Foundation dedicated to his treatment Following the university’s announcement, Louisiana State University head coach Brian Kelly took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to convey that Brooks’ family is receiving support from his team.

“Greg and his entire family and support system have been incredibly strong throughout all of this. Our program continues to pray and support Greg in his fight,” Kelly wrote. “We ask that you help the Brooks family and support the fund as he continues in the journey ahead.”

Brooks has a bright future!

“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,” said Brooks’ family in a statement touching upon his rate of recovery. 

Medulloblastoma is a cancerous brain tumor, which, according to the Cleveland Clinic, typically impacts between 350 and 500 individuals in the United States annually and is predominantly diagnosed in children. Brooks had a successful brain surgery that showed “no evidence that the cancer has spread.” 

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Before joining LSU, the Louisiana native spent three seasons playing for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. In 2022, he started 13 out of 14 games, accumulating 66 tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble, a sack, and five passes defended. He continued to contribute to LSU’s success in the 2023 season, aiding them in achieving a 2-1 start by playing in their first two games. Brooks’ family and the entire LSU community firmly believe and hope for his complete and rapid recovery so that he is able to return to the field and continue achieving bigger goals in life.  

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