Greg Brooks Jr. shares childhood story about interaction with Drew Brees

On3 imageby:Justin Rudolph03/31/23

The LSU Tigers football program has a proud history of putting out some elite talent from their secondary. And because of that, LSU is one of a handful of teams fighting for the right to be crowned “DBU.”

In this upcoming season, the Tigers have a surplus of secondary talent that will earn them that title led by New Orleans native safety Greg Brooks Jr.

Being native to the same city that the Saints call home increases the chances that you might run into an NFL athlete or two. However, when Brooks was younger, he got a chance to meet arguably the greatest player to ever suit up for the Saints, quarterback Drew Brees. And during a recent interview, the LSU defensive back star shared the story of the first time he met Brees as a kid.

“Man, it was like a dream come true,” said Brooks. “I met him when I was like nine, when they won the Super. I met him somewhere; I think it was at Academy or something. But it’s always surreal to see a guy that was a legend where you’re from. So I had to go get my; he actually autographed my glove. I still have it. It’s at my house right now.”

Brooks has done his hometown of New Orleans proud in his lone season at LSU. After transferring to the Tigers after spending the first three years playing for their rivals just north, Arkansas, Brooks put together his best season yet.

The senior safety recorded 63 total tackles, 36 solo, and one sack; all of which were career-season highs. Brooks has a chance to add to those numbers next season, as he’s set to return to LSU and lead their “DBU” unit into battle.

Brooks talks about LSU remaining “DBU”

In that same press conference, Brooks highlighted how he believes the new faces in the Tigers’ defensive backfield have what it takes to keep the “DBU” title with LSU.

“It’s great, you know what I’m saying. We gotta keep the tradition going. It’s gonna be a fun year,” said Brooks. “We have a lot of new guys. And I feel like a lot of us are gonna step up to keep that name, upholding this tradition.”

For what it’s worth, ESPN created a “Position U” ranking. In their rankings last year, LSU was barely beaten out for the title of “DBU” by Ohio State. The Buckeyes have put out some elite defensive back talent over the years. But the Buckeyes haven’t put as much talent as LSU has into the NFL in recent history. Still, they have names like Jeff OkudahJordan FullerDenzel WardEli AppleMarshon Lattimore, and Vonn Bell to tout.

LSU has had a much better track record in the modern era. The Tigers recently had Derek Stingley taken third overall by the Houston Texans in the 2022 NFL Draft. Along with him, LSU’s secondary has featured names like Grant DelpitKristian FultonGreedy WilliamsDonte JacksonJamal AdamsTre’Davious WhiteJalen MillsDeion JonesEric ReidLaRon LandryPatrick Peterson, and Tyrann Mathieu.