Jayden Daniels honors LSU teammate Greg Brooks Jr. at Pro Day amid cancer battle
Former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels was the main event for Wednesday’s packed Pro Day in Baton Rouge, and the potential first-round draft pick used the spotlight to honor one of his former teammates, Greg Brooks Jr. Daniels wore LSU gear with Brooks’ name and his No. 3 as the Tigers safety continues his battle against a rare form of brain cancer. Brooks underwent brain surgery in October after receiving his diagnosis.
Brooks transferred to LSU from Arkansas ahead of the 2022 season. He was in the same transfer class as Daniels who joined the Tigers after beginning his career at Arizona State. The two became team captains for the 2023 season, along with Will Campbell and Mekhi Wingo.
Daniels previously credited Brooks with inspiring him on his journey to win the Heisman Trophy. He gave the Louisiana native a shoutout during his acceptance speech.
“I wanted to end on a special thank you Greg Brooks Jr. and his family. You gave me inspiration to continue on this journey to greatness and keep fighting. Thank you,” Daniels said.
Brian Kelly shares update on Greg Brooks’ progress
This week, LSU head coach Brian Kelly said he didn’t have much to report on Brooks’ progress. However, he shared that the former star defender is on his way back with daily rehab.
“We haven’t gotten much information over the last month because of where he is,” Kelly said. “We know he’s in intensive daily rehabilitation. He’s up, walking, doing all those things. Doing all of the occupational rehabilitation. It’s just a slow process. But everything is coming back. It’s just a slow, slow process.”
In his first year with the Tigers, Brooks totaled 66 tackles, 3.0 tackles for a loss, 1.0 sacks, a forced fumble, two interceptions and five pass breakups. He played in just two games in 2023 before his diagnosis, which came after he experienced repeated vertigo and went in for further testing.
This season at LSU, Daniels broke out with 3,812 passing yards and 40 touchdowns along with 1,134 rushing yards and 10 more scores on the ground. He had more yards, more touchdowns, fewer sacks and fewer interceptions than this year’s projected No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams this season on his way to winning the Heisman Trophy.
On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report.