Brian Kelly provides update on Greg Brooks Jr. as he recovers from brain surgery

Last month, LSU defensive back Greg Brooks Jr. was diagnosed with a large brain tumor that required emergency surgery. Head coach Brian Kelly had the opportunity to visit Brooks in the hospital and gave an update on his DB’s health on Monday.

“He’s able to respond to commands, you know, it has been a long road for him,” Kelly said during his weekly media scrum. “His family has been amazing, they’re there every day. The support he’s been receiving from the community, it’s been overwhelming.”

After his procedure, Kelly revealed how the team 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 discover the cause of his symptoms and an MRI discovered the tumor.

Brooks’ family released a statement revealing that the surgery was a success and thanked the medical staff responsible for nursing Brooks back to health.

“I know the family can’t thank everybody enough for the great support,” Kelly continued. “But this is a long battle. He continues to fight every day. He was able to give us a thumbs-up yesterday when we were there. So, we’re getting those little acknowledgments that make us feel better as we get a chance to see him.”

In the days following his surgery, LSU traveled to Arkansas. With Brooks on their minds, the Razorbacks pulled a classy move by wearing decals on their helmets donning the No. 3 — his number for LSU.

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. While his season is more than likely finished — as there’s no timetable for such a serious procedure — Week 4’s win vs. Arkansas was an important reminder that his health means more than any game ever could.

“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’s statement read. “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.”