Former South Carolina quarterback Steven Garcia has announced that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. Garcia, 38, is using the announcement to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and encourage others to seek medical attention if they feel unwell.
“I wasn’t too excited to share this news, but it is what it is,” Garcia wrote in a social media post. “We have a great team of doctors and staff who are confident we can overcome this problem, and that is our only option.
“If there’s one lesson to be learned, it’s to get tested and don’t be afraid to go to the clinic when you’re not feeling 100%,” Garcia continued. “What we consume has changed significantly over the years and we are hearing that more and more people in this age group are being diagnosed with these diseases. We understand this and thank you all!”
Garcia is one of only six quarterbacks in South Carolina history to throw for at least 3,000 yards in a season. He was the Gamecocks’ starting quarterback from 2008 to 2011, finishing his college career with 7,597 passing yards and 47 touchdowns in 40 games.
One of Garcia’s most notable performances with the Gamecocks came in 2010, when he threw for 210 yards and led South Carolina to a historic victory over then-No. 1 Garcia. In first place is the Alabama Crimson Tide. That season, under Garcia’s leadership, the Shumcocks went 9-3 and made their first and only appearance in the SEC Championship Game, a performance that remains a highlight in program history.
