Brooks’ diagnosis

LSU defensive back Greg Brooks, a former Arkansas player, has been diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer, the Brooks family and LSU announced Wednesday.

Brooks, a senior from New Orleans and team captain for the Tigers, underwent emergency surgery on Sept. 15 to have a tumor removed from his brain. He played in the first two games this season against Florida State and Grambling before the tumor was discovered.

The Tiger Athletic Foundation, a private, nonprofit corporation supporting LSU athletics, has launched “The Greg Brooks Victory Fund” to help cover medical expenses for Brooks and his family.

ESPN reported that medulloblastoma affects between 350 to 500 people in the United States annually, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

“Greg has been a daily inspiration to us all,” the 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.”

Brooks also has received strong support from the Arkansas program and its fans. When Arkansas played at LSU two weeks ago, Razorbacks Coach Sam Pittman visited Brooks at the hospital and Pittman has stayed in contact with his family members.

“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,” the Brooks family said in it’s statement. “Greg is a warrior! Please continue to keep No. 3, and our entire family, in your prayers.”

Brooks, 22, played for the Razorbacks from 201921, then transferred to LSU for the 2022 season. He started 31 games for the Razorbacks and started 13 of his 14 games at LSU. He has a combined 185 career tackles — including 111 at Arkansas — and 6 interceptions.