Brian Kelly thanks Sam Pittman, Arkansas for their love, support of Greg Brooks Jr. after tumor diagnosis

Arkansas and LSU came together Saturday for a battle on the gridiron, but the matchup turned out to be about more than football.

Former Arkansas DB turned LSU player Greg Brooks Jr. was diagnosed recently with a large brain tumor, which required emergency surgery. The Razorbacks, who hosted the matchup, sent love and support toward Brooks and the Tiger family in the wake of his procedure.

Arkansas chose to slap the number ‘3’ decal on their helmets in honor of Brooks, which is the number he wears for the Tigers. Head coach Brian Kelly thanked Arkansas and Sam Pittman after the fact.

“Thank you, Sam Pittman and the Arkansas Football program for your support of Greg,” Kelly said, via X. “This is bigger than football. Please continue to keep the Brooks family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Brooks spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career with the Razorbacks, during which he combined for 112 total tackles, eight PBUs and four interceptions — one of which he returned for a touchdown in 2020.

He arrived in Baton Rouge last offseason and put up career numbers, totaling 63 tackles, one sack, a forced fumble and two interceptions. Brooks Jr. was able to play in two games this season against Florida State and Grambling, respectively, and made an impact in both matchups. While his season is more than likely finished — as there’s no timetable for such a serious procedure — Saturday was an important reminder that his health means more than any game ever could.

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