Greg Brooks Jr.
Greg Brooks Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 30, 2001 Harvey, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Arkansas (2019–2021) Louisiana State University (2022–2023) |
| Occupations |
|
| Football career | |
| No. 3 | |
| Position | Safety |
| Career information | |
| College | Arkansas (2019–2021) LSU (2022–2023) |
Greg Brooks Jr. (born August 30, 2001) is an American former college football player and disability advocate who was a member, and later captain, of LSU football from 2022 to 2023.
In 2023, Brooks was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer. Due to complications from the surgery, he suffered from paralysis and speech impairment. Subsequent lawsuits from Brooks and his family against LSU alleged abandonment from the coaching staff after the brain tumor surgery.
Football career
Originally from Harvey, Louisiana,[1] he played for West Jefferson High School. Brooks joined the Arkansas Razorbacks in 2019, starting all 12 games for them that season.[2] He joined LSU in 2022, and helped the Tigers to a Citrus Bowl victory that year, and continued with the team for three years.[3]
He was regarded by some as a potential future NFL draft pick.[4]
Brain tumor diagnosis and disability advocacy
In 2023, during his fifth-year senior season, Brooks was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, which was relatively rare for someone of Brooks's age.[3] After the surgery to remove the tumor, the cancer showed no sign of spreading, although he faced significant rehabilitation,[5] including having to re-learn how to eat, write, and speak.[6]
The Atlanta Falcons, led by head coach Raheem Morris and former Arkansas teammate Feleipe Franks, gave Brooks a chance at experiencing life in the NFL.[7]
Legal action
Brooks filed a lawsuit against LSU and their trainers, alleging neglect from and a lack of qualification of the trainers who initially diagnosed him with vertigo after he had vomited during practice.[6][8] It also alleges that, during his surgery, Brooks had a surgery where he suffered multiple seizures due to mistakes by the surgeon.[9]
It also alleged that head coach Brian Kelly and the coaching staff failed to continue contact with Brooks after his surgery, which Kelly denied.[10][11][12] As of 2025, the Brooks family continued their lawsuit against LSU and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.[13][14]
Personal life
Brooks's father, Greg Brooks Sr., was a college football player for the Michigan Wolverines and Ole Miss Rebels. He was later selected in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.[4]
He has also credited his then-girlfriend Kurstin with her assistance in his recovery.[6] They announced their engagement in July 2025.[7]
References
- ^ "Greg Brooks Jr. Career Stats - NCAAF". ESPN. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
- ^ "Greg Brooks Jr". Arkansas Razorbacks. February 26, 2019. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
- ^ a b "Greg Brooks Jr". LSU. January 20, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
- ^ a b Brooks, Gabe. "Greg Brooks Jr., LSU Tigers, Cornerback". 247Sports. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
- ^ Blanchard, Steve (October 16, 2023). "Brain Cancer Sidelines LSU Defensive Back Greg Brooks Jr". Moffitt Cancer Center. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
- ^ a b c Gullo, Robert (April 29, 2025). "Greg Brooks Jr. Reveals How His Girlfriend "Supported Him Every Single Day" During His Brain Tumor Battle". The SportsRush. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
- ^ a b Moscona, Matt (October 13, 2025). "Falcons help Greg Brooks Jr. fulfill NFL dream". Louisiana Sports. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
- ^ Thornton, Cedric (June 17, 2025). "Former Football Player Greg Brooks Jr. Gets Good News In Lawsuit Against LSU". Black Enterprise. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
- ^ Willis, Jason (June 16, 2025). "Former LSU football player Greg Brooks' lawsuit moves forward". Retrieved February 23, 2026.
- ^ Salerno, Cameron (February 5, 2025). "LSU coach Brian Kelly denies severing contact with former player Greg Brooks Jr. amid cancer battle, recovery". CBS Sports. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
- ^ Schlabach, Mark (February 5, 2025). "LSU's Brian Kelly: I've supported Greg Brooks Jr. since surgery". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
- ^ Willis, Jason (February 3, 2025). "Greg Brooks says LSU "didn't have his best interest at heart"". Retrieved February 23, 2026.
- ^ Kramer, Rylee (September 9, 2025). "Greg Brooks Jr. returns to court for lawsuit against LSU, Our Lady of the Lake". WAFB. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
- ^ Kramer, Rylee (May 27, 2025). "Judge allows Greg Brooks Jr.'s lawsuit against LSU, OLOL to proceed with negligence claims". WAFB. Retrieved February 23, 2026.