LSU safety and team captain Greg Brooks has been diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, the school announced Wednesday.

Brooks underwent surgery to remove the tumor on Sept. 15 after suffering dizzy spells during preseason camp and in the early part of the season. Later tests have revealed he has medulloblastoma, a form of cancer that forms in the lower back part of the brain.

“For the last three weeks, Greg has been recovering from an extensive surgery to remove a brain tumor that was located between his cerebellum and brainstem,” said Catherine O’Neal, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Our Lady of the Lake Health in Baton Rouge. “Greg’s speech and ability to communicate has been impacted, and although he is responsive and working daily with physical therapy, he will face months of intensive rehabilitation.

“The surgery was successful in removing the tumor, and there is no evidence that the cancer has spread. As he begins rehab in the coming weeks, Greg’s family and care team will determine a treatment plan in collaboration with nationally recognized specialists in this specific form 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.”

A Louisiana native, Brooks transferred to LSU in 2022 after three seasons at Arkansas. He started 12 of 13 games for the Tigers last season, totaling 66 tackles, five pass breakups and two interceptions.

After suffering from what was believed to be vertigo during preseason camp, Brooks played in LSU’s first two games this season vs. Florida State and Grambling State. However, his symptoms reoccurred prior to the Sept. 16 game vs. Mississippi State, and he was sent for an MRI that revealed a “large” brain tumor that was removed via surgery.

LSU coach Brian Kelly updated Brooks’ condition during his Monday news conference, before the cancer diagnosis was announced publicly.

“He’s able to respond to commands,” Kelly said, via NOLA.com. “It’s been a long road for him. His family has been amazing. They’re there every day. The support that he’s been receiving from the community has been overwhelming.

“I know the family can’t thank everybody enough for the great support. But this is a long battle. He continues to fight every day. He was able to give us a thumbs up yesterday when we were there. So, we’re getting those little acknowledgements that makes us feel better as we get a chance to see him.”

Freshman Ryan Yiates has filled in for Brooks in LSU’s three-safety alignment alongside veterans Major Burns and Andre Sam the last three games. The Tigers (3-2 overall, 1-1 SEC) are at Missouri on Saturday.

LSU and the Tiger Athletic Foundation has established the Greg Brooks Victory Fund to help offset medical expenses. For more information, click HERE.