Former Quarterback Stephen Garcia’s Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis

Former South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia, 38, revealed in May 2026 that he was diagnosed with cancer. He has been undergoing treatment for his cancer since the announcement.

Garcia was the former quarterback for the South Carolina Gamecocks under coach Steve Spurrier, from 2008 to 2011. During this time with the Gamecocks, Garcia posted a 20-14 record with 7,597 passing yards, 47 touchdowns and 41 interceptions. He also totaled 777 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, showcasing his effectiveness as a dual-threat quarterback.

After college, Garcia pursued professional football opportunities in various leagues, including brief stints in the NFL with the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL and the Tampa Bay Storm in the Arena Football League. Following which, he shifted his focus to coaching and became an independent quarterback trainer, helping train and develop young athletes.

On May 6 2026, Garcia shared a post on his social media, revealing that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. “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," he wrote.

Garcia shared that he had started to notice certain symptoms such as left-side abdominal pain and erratic bowel habits as early as July 2025. However, he simply dismissed them as he was a “tough guy” and believed that he could handle it on his own. He only went to consult a doctor after his wife, Maria, had insisted that he go for tests.

After undergoing an ultrasound, MRI and colonoscopy, Garcia discovered that he had colorectal cancer. Since then, his wife has started a GoFundMe campaign to support his treatment costs.

Following his diagnosis, Garcia is set to undergo chemotherapy, followed by a consultation with regards to potentially undergoing radiation therapy and surgery as well. On May 7 2026, Garcia posted an update on his GoFundMe page, writing, “Round 1 of chemo in the books. We are doing great and staying [in] action.”

Garcia shared that being diagnosed with cancer shattered his “tough guy” facade. “I broke down thinking about my kids not having their dad,” he shared emotionally.

He was also touched by the support for his GoFundMe campaign, sharing, “It is truly humbling. ... People I don’t know who they are. Some people are sending $7. There are people that are sending $5,000, $10,000. It is amazing. There are so many people who have come together.”

Garcia added that being diagnosed with cancer shifted his perspective on the importance of mental health. "In years past, I thought mental health was an absolute joke, just to be completely frank with you," he shared. “But, it’s changed my opinion, my outlook on life in general, and I encourage everyone to speak it up. I’ve had so many people reach out to say if you need to talk, reach out to me. Everyone said the same thing that you have to be mentally in it. If you are positive mentally, you’re going to get through it. If you’re feeling down in the dumps, figure out a way to get positive. It’s no joke, you are where your mind’s at."

Since then, Garcia has been actively advocating for people to get screened for cancer. “I want to repay everyone I possibly can by getting the word out. Put your pride aside and go get it checked out,” he said. In particular, Garcia is urging men to ditch their ego and pride, to listen to their body and prioritize their loved ones by getting themselves checked out.

Garcia has also been using his platform to actively raise awareness on the importance of colorectal cancer screening. “Colonoscopies save lives. Don’t wait like I did; early detection is everything,” he shared.