ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 02: LSU Tigers safety Greg Brooks Jr. (3) during the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl between the LSU Tigers and the Purdue Boilermakers on January 2, 2023 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fl.
Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

LSU's Starting Safety Just Had a Brain Tumor Removed

LSU Tigers starting safety Greg Books had emergency surgery to remove a brain tumor this past Friday after an earlier diagnosis.

Last week, LSU Tigers starting safety Greg Brooks Jr. received news that he had a brain tumor, and last Friday, he had surgery to remove the mass.

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On Wednesday, his family released a statement updating his status, which LSU confirmed.

"Greg Jr. was diagnosed last week with a large brain tumor that required emergency surgery. Doctors successfully performed the procedure Friday to remove the mass, and we are awaiting biopsy results."

"We are grateful for the work and care of the 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. This means the world to us at 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."

Following the statement, LSU football made a Facebook post saying "All Love For 3," in reference to the number the safety wears.

Former LSU special teams coordinator Brian Polian reposted the picture above and added, "Greg Brooks is a wonderful human being and teammate and a great football player. We are praying for him to have a speedy and complete recovery."

Brooks Jr. is playing his fifth college football season and second with LSU. He played for Arkansas from 2019-2021. Brooks played 81 snaps this season, recorded four solo sacks, and had one pass breakup.

Looking at his entire college career, he's played 2,682 total snaps while recording 130 solo tackles, four interceptions, and nine pass breakups.

The Tigers' next game comes against—of all teams—the Arkansas Razorbacks on September 23 at 7 pm ET at home.

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