Nick Saban sends well wishes to LSU, Greg Brooks Jr. amid cancer diagnosis

Last month, LSU defensive back Greg Brooks Jr. was diagnosed with a large brain tumor that required emergency surgery.

Much of the college football world has come together in showing support for the Brooks family during this trying time, and Alabama head coach Nick Saban was no different, sending his well wishes to the LSU standout.

“Our thoughts and prayers are certainly out with his family. I think it really puts things into perspective for a lot of us,” Saban said on Thursday. “I think that a lot of us take our health for granted, take relationships and people for granted. We take our family for granted, but none of those things should we take for granted. We should be thankful and very appreciative that we have good relationships and we have good health, family and all of that.

“I’m sure this young man is getting a tremendous amount of support. The LSU fans are great, he’s got a great family and they’ve got a great program, so I’m sure there are a lot of people that are there to support him. I’m just hopeful that our fans will all share in thoughts and prayers for his well-being in the future.”

LSU discovered Brooks’ condition after he underwent repeated bouts with vertigo during fall camp, which continued throughout the first couple weeks of the 2023 season. Brooks was looked at by a doctor in an attempt to find the root of his symptoms. A subsequient MRI discovered a tumor which required the procedure.

Tigers head coach Brian Kelly said that Brooks is stable and is able to respond to commands after visiting him in the hospital. He said the support for Brooks has been overwhelming since his prosecure and diagnosis.

“We are grateful for the work and the care of these medical staff helping Greg through these challenges and for the concern and love poured out by so many in the Louisiana, Arkansas and national sports communities,” the Brooks family said in a statement. “That means the world to us in this difficult time.

“Greg continues to fight, and we await further clarity on the extent of that battle. His incredible strength of character gives us confidence, but we also know that he needs our support now more than ever. Please keep Greg and our family in your prayers.”

Brooks spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career with the Razorbacks, during which he combined for 112 total tackles, eight PBUs and four interceptions — one of which he returned for a touchdown in 2020.

He arrived in Baton Rouge last offseason and put up career numbers, totaling 63 tackles, one sack, a forced fumble and two interceptions. Brooks Jr. was able to play in two games this season against Florida State and Grambling, respectively, and made an impact in both matchups.