Greg Brooks Jr., a safety for the LSU Tigers football team, underwent surgery last month to remove a tumor from his brain. Now, doctors have diagnosed the 22-year-old with a rare brain cancer, according to ESPN.
Brooks is fighting an extremely rare disease called medulloblastoma, which affects between 350-500 people in the United States annually. It is most common in children, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The college football player’s Sept. 20 surgery to remove the tumor — found between his cerebellum and brainstem — was a success. However, his speech and communication abilities have been affected, Our Lady of the Lake Health’s Dr. Catherine O’Neal said, according to ESPN.
There is no evidence the cancer has spread, according to O’Neal.
“Although he is responsive and working daily with physical therapy, he will face months of intensive rehabilitation,” O’Neal said, per ESPN. “The surgery was successful in removing the tumor, and there is no evidence that the cancer has spread.
“As he begins rehab in the coming weeks, Greg’s family and care team will determine a treatment plan in collaboration with nationally recognized specialists in this specific form of brain cancer. He has a long journey ahead and will need the full support of our community behind him as he faces this battle.”
The Brooks family, LSU Athletics, and Our Lady of the Lake Health announced today that Greg Brooks Jr. has been diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, medulloblastoma.
Please support the Greg Brooks Jr. Victory Fund as he continues to battle. https://t.co/TUElsbDAIf pic.twitter.com/FJYNIo5Lkj
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) October 4, 2023
More about Greg Brooks Jr.’s diagnosis and the fund to help cover expenses resulting from his illnesshttps://t.co/Puvj2Jnhzf pic.twitter.com/9uaT0mv2yw
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) October 4, 2023
Please continue to keep No. 3 and his entire family in your prayers 💛 pic.twitter.com/Qgdbk7e8qZ
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) October 4, 2023
Brooks is a team captain for LSU and played the first two games of the season. However, due to what head coach Brian Kelly labeled a “medical emergency,” Brooks missed the Sept. 16 contest against Mississippi State, according to ESPN. After Brooks was reportedly experiencing vertigo and dizziness, he underwent an MRI, and doctors found the tumor.
“Greg has been a daily inspiration to us all,” Brooks’ family said in a statement, per ESPN. “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 has fans around the world and our phones have been ringing off the hook for the last several weeks with words of encouragement and support. Greg is a warrior! Please continue to keep No. 3, and our entire family, in your prayers.” (RELATED: Calgary Flames Assistant GM Chris Snow Left With ‘Catastrophic Brain Injury’ After Suffering Cardiac Arrest)
Brooks played three years for the Arkansas Razorbacks and started every game. He then transferred to LSU. In 2022, he started 13 of 14 contests for the Tigers, tallying 66 tackles, two interceptions, a sack, a forced fumble and defended five passes, per ESPN.
If fans and supporters want to make contributions to assist with the medical expenses, LSU set up The Greg Brooks Victory Fund.