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Former South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia announced Wednesday that he’s been diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer.
Garcia shared the news on social media, urging fans and followers to get checked out if something feels off. His wife, Maria, has set up a GoFundMe to help cover medical expenses. It’s already raised more than $14,000 toward a $35,000 goal.
Wasn’t overly excited to share this news but it is what it is. We have a great team of doctors and staff that’s confident we can beat this! It’s the only option.
If there’s one lesson to be learned, get checked and don’t be afraid to visit the doctors office when you don’t feel 100%. The stuff we consume has been altered significantly over the years and we’ve been hearing more and more people in this age range are getting diagnosed with these things.
We got this and I appreciate all yall!
Garcia played for the Gamecocks under Steve Spurrier from 2008 to 2011, putting together one of the more productive careers in school history. He threw for 7,597 yards, which ranks third all-time at South Carolina, and added 47 touchdown passes, good for fifth on the program’s all-time list. He also ran for 777 yards and 15 scores, though the 41 interceptions were a consistent storyline throughout his time in Columbia.
His biggest moment came in 2010.
Garcia threw for 210 yards as South Carolina knocked off then-No. 1 Alabama, a win that helped the Gamecocks finish 9-3 and reach the SEC Championship Game. It remains the only conference title game appearance in program history.
The following season didn’t end the same way. South Carolina dismissed Garcia during his senior year after a failed drug test and a series of off-field issues.
After college, Garcia had short stints in both the CFL (Canadian Football League) and AFL (Arena Football League). He’s now based in the Tampa area, working as a personal quarterback coach.
