Greg Brooks Jr.’s Harrowing Health Battle and LSU’s Handling Under Scrutiny
Greg Brooks Jr. began his college football journey with the Arkansas Razorbacks before transferring to LSU in 2022 to play under head coach Brian Kelly. A talented defensive back, Brooks quickly established himself as a leader, earning the title of team captain in 2023. However, that same year, his life took a devastating turn when he began experiencing unexplained health issues.
During an interview with Good Morning America, Brooks Jr. recounted how he started suffering from nausea, dizziness, and severe headaches during football practice. These symptoms, initially shrugged off as minor, soon led to a grim diagnosis—a brain tumor. What followed was an ordeal that not only tested Brooks’ resilience but also raised serious concerns about how the LSU football program handled his medical crisis.
According to the Brooks family, LSU provided only one option: emergency surgery. The procedure resulted in multiple strokes, leaving Brooks with significant physical challenges and a long, grueling road to recovery. Throughout this difficult journey, one aspect has been particularly painful for Brooks and his family—the complete absence of support from his former head coach, Brian Kelly.
Brooks’ father, Greg Brooks Sr., expressed his shock and disappointment that Kelly never reached out to his son. For a player who had given his all to the program and served as a captain, the lack of even a simple phone call from the head coach felt like a betrayal. The silence from Kelly has led to widespread criticism, with many questioning his leadership and empathy.
The situation has cast a shadow over LSU football, with many fans and analysts condemning the program’s handling of Brooks’ condition. Social media erupted with outrage, with one user calling Kelly “a scum human” for his lack of response. The controversy has further fueled the already existing skepticism about Kelly’s character and leadership style.
Despite the adversity, Brooks Jr. remains determined to share his story, hoping to inspire other athletes to take charge of their health. He urges players to listen to their bodies and seek second opinions if something feels off. His bravery in speaking out serves as a powerful reminder that, beyond the game, athletes are human beings whose well-being should always come first.
The LSU program, and especially Brian Kelly, now face tough questions about their handling of Brooks’ situation. This tragic ordeal should serve as a wake-up call for college athletics—coaches and programs must prioritize the health and well-being of their players over everything else.