Louisiana State University football player Greg Brooks Jr. was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, medulloblastoma, the university said in a statement released Wednesday.
Brooks (22) underwent emergency brain surgery on September 15 to remove a tumor located between the cerebellum and the brain stem. “The surgery was successful in removing the tumor and there is no evidence that the cancer has spread,” Catherine O’Neal, MD, chief medical officer at Our Lady of the Lake Health Hospital, said Wednesday.
O’Neal added, “As he begins rehabilitation in the coming weeks, Greg’s family and care team will determine a treatment plan in collaboration with nationally recognized experts in this specific form of brain cancer.”
LSU Football’s Greg Brooks Undergoes Emergency Brain Surgery To Remove Tumor: ‘Awaiting Further Clarity’
Brooks still has a long journey ahead of him and will face months of intensive rehabilitation after the surgery affected his speech and ability to communicate, O’Neal explained in a statement.
“Greg was a daily inspiration to all of us,” the Brooks family said in a statement. “He fights like a tiger every day and continues to gradually improve. We have a long way to go and we appreciate the support of our LSU family and Tiger fans.”
“Greg is a fighter and a winner, and we believe with all our hearts that he will win this battle with cancer,” added LSU President William F. Tate IV.
Medulloblastoma is a cancerous brain tumor that affects between 350-500 people in the US each year and is most often found in children, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Following the university’s statement, LSU head coach Brian Kelly shared further x (formerly known as Twitter) that Brooks’ family has the support of their team.
“Greg and his entire family and support system have been incredibly strong through all of this. Our program continues to pray and support Greg in his fight,” Kelly wrote. “We ask that you please help the Brooks family and support the fund as he continues on the path ahead.” He included a link to the Greg Brooks Jr. Victory Fund, established by the Tiger Athletic Foundation to help his family.
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“To our senior captain Greg Brooks Jr. a rare form of brain cancer, medulloblastoma, was diagnosed. Please continue to pray for 3 and support the Greg Brooks Fund at the link in our bio 💛,” read X’s post from the LSU Tigers profile. The team included a photo of a security in uniform at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
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Prior to Brooks’ emergency surgery, Kelly said during an SEC teleconference that Brooks began experiencing symptoms of vertigo earlier this year and they reappeared on Sept. 13, according to ESPN. Brooks felt dizzy and underwent an MRI that revealed the tumor that day, Kelly said.
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The Louisiana native previously played for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks for three seasons before transferring to LSU.
In 2022, he started 13 of 14 games and recorded 66 tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble, a sack and five passes defensed. He played in LSU’s first two games of the 2023 season, helping them to a 2-1 start.
Fans can contribute to the Greg Brooks Victory Fund here.
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