Greg Brooks, an LSU safety, underwent surgery to remove “a large brain tumor,” his family reported Wednesday.
“Doctors successfully performed the procedure Friday to remove the mass,” the family stated in a social media post verified by LSU athletics spokesperson Michael Bonnette. “We are awaiting biopsy results.”
Brooks abruptly departed the team last week, missing the 12th-ranked Tigers’ 41-14 win over Mississippi State.
On Monday, coach Brian Kelly stated that Brooks had a “medical emergency” and could not predict when he would return to football. He declined to provide specifics because the family was not yet ready to make that information public.
This Saturday, LSU hosts Arkansas, where Brooks spent three seasons before moving to LSU in 2022.
“Greg continues to fight, and we await more information on the scope of that battle,” the Brooks family announcement stated. “His tremendous character gives us confidence, but we also realize that he requires our help now more than ever.
Brooks, who grew up in the New Orleans area, started 13 games for the Tigers last season, recording two interceptions, a sack, a forced fumble, and three tackles for loss. He completed 2022 with five passes defended and 66 solo or assisted tackles.
Brooks also participated in the first two games of the season, recording eight tackles.
When Brooks was on the field, LSU typically used a three-safety formation. Last Saturday, the Tigers started three linebackers. In Brooks’ absence, LSU switched to a five-defensive back alignment, giving freshman safety Ryan Yaites additional snaps.
Following LSU’s most recent victory on Saturday, Kelly informed the players that he wanted to dedicate a game ball to Brooks.
