LSU’s Brooks identified with rare brain cancer

• Adam Rittenberg, ESPN

  • Senior Citizen WriterOct 4, 2023, 04:12 PM ET Close College football press reporter.
  • Joined ESPN.com in 2008.
  • Graduate of Northwestern University.LSU safety Greg Brooks

Jr., who last month went through surgical treatment to eliminate a growth from his brain, has been identified with an uncommon form of brain cancer.Brooks, 22, has medulloblastoma, which, according to the

Cleveland Center, affects in between 350-500 people in the U.S. every year and is most commonly found in children. He had successful surgical treatment Sept. 15 to eliminate the tumor, situated in between his cerebellum and brainstem, but his speech and capability to interact have been impacted, according to Dr. Catherine O’Neal of Our Woman of the Lake Health.O’Neal said there is no proof Brooks’cancer has spread.Editor’s Picks“Although he is responsive and working daily with physical treatment, he will deal with months of extensive rehab, “O’Neal said in a statement.”The surgery achieved success in removing the growth, and there is no evidence that the cancer has spread out. As he begins rehabilitation in the coming weeks, Greg’s household and care team will determine a treatment plan in partnership with nationally acknowledged specialists in this particular type of brain cancer. He has a long journey ahead and will need the full support of our community behind him as he faces this battle. “Brooks, a team captain, appeared in LSU’s very first two games before missing a Sept. 16 contest at Mississippi State for what coach Brian Kelly later on called a”medical emergency.”Kelly stated last month that Brooks had experienced vertigo earlier this year and once again felt lightheadedness, which triggered an MRI that revealed the tumor.LSU has established The Greg Brooks Success Fund, where fans can add to assist cover Brooks ‘medical expenses.

“Greg has been an everyday motivation to all of us, “Brooks’family stated in a declaration.” He fights like a Tiger every day and

continues to make incremental improvements. We have a long roadway ahead and appreciate of the assistance from our LSU family and Tiger fans. Greg has fans all over the world and our phones have been sounding off the hook for the last several weeks with words of encouragement and assistance. Greg is a warrior! Please continue to keep No. 3, and our entire household, in your prayers.”Brooks, a native of Harvey, Louisiana, played three seasons at Arkansas and started 31 games for the Razorbacks before

transferring to LSU. He began 13 of 14 games for the Tigers in 2022 and tape-recorded 66 tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble, a sack and five passes safeguarded.