LSU’s Greg Brooks Jr. will undergo emergency surgery to remove a brain tumor

Brooks’ family said that after doctors successfully removed the mass on Friday, they were awaiting the results of a biopsy.

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

After Brooks abruptly left LSU’s 41-14 win over Mississippi State on Saturday, Kelly said Monday that he could only describe the situation as a “medical emergency” and that he didn’t want to “speak on behalf of the family.”

On Wednesday, Kelly said that Brooks’ dizzy episode last month was “just a symptom of something that was obviously a larger problem.”

Brooks is a Louisiana native who transferred to LSU in 2022. A graduate student, he is currently playing his fifth year of college football. He played in the 2-1 Tigers’ first two games this season, a loss to Florida State and a win over Grambling State, after starting 13 of the 14 games he appeared in last season. Next up for the Tigers is No. 14 Arkansas, where Brooks spent his first three seasons.

“I mean this with all my heart: He’s a wonderful kid, and that didn’t change when he decided to return to his home state of Louisiana,” Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman said said of Brooks Wednesday. “We have prayed and will continue to pray for his health every day.”

Brooks’ father, Greg Brooks Sr., was a defensive back for Southern Miss from 2001 to 2003 and later became a draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals and a two-year NFL player. Last year, Brooks’ 66 tackles were good for fifth on LSU’s defense.

“We are grateful for the work and care of the medical staff supporting Greg through these challenges and for the love and care expressed by so many in the Louisiana, Arkansas and national sports communities,” his family said. “This means the world to us during this difficult time.”

Asked Wednesday whether he expected Brooks to play again this season, Kelly replied: “It’s so hard for me to even know. There are so many unanswered questions. I don’t even know if I could even begin to give you the medical information about the surgery to even give you an informed answer. I saw him in the hospital on Sunday.

“He’s still recovering from the heavy sedation, so we couldn’t have a clear conversation, but I know before he came in it was pretty clear to him that he was going to play again this year,” the coach continued. “But that’s Greg Brooks.”