LSU HC Brian Kelly says fund to support Greg Brooks Jr. is 'well over six figures'

Defensive back Greg Brooks Jr. should be midway through his super senior college football season with the No. 22-ranked LSU Tigers.

Brooks was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer — medulloblastoma — earlier this year. He had surgery to remove the tumor — which is located between his cerebellum and brain stem — in mid-September, and head coach Brian Kelly recently provided an update that Brooks Jr. was transferred to St. Jude's Research Hospital in Memphis Tennessee where he'll undergo another surgery on his road to recovery.

Brooks has had his ability to speak and communicate impacted, which is the bad news. There is good news, though. A fund was started to help Brooks and his family pay for medical expenses.

Per Kelly, that fund has reached "well over six figures," according to ESPN's Alex Scarborough. Brooks' LSU teammates are also all-in on supporting him. They wear T-shirts supporting Brooks and have virtual visits with their teammate.

His struggles have also helped them put this 2023 season into perspective, per Kelly.

"Our players individually have been impacted that with this world of so many distractions, they've realized how lucky they are to play the game," Kelly said.

According to one of Brooks' doctors cited in the ESPN report, Brooks is responsive and he works daily on physical therapy. There is also zero evidence that the cancer has spread from the spot of the original tumors.

"He will face months of intensive rehabilitation," Dr. Catherine O'Neal said. 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."