Former Signal Caller Encourages Others to Quarterback Their Health

Stephen Garcia made a big impact on the field and had just as big of a personality off it. Now the former South Carolina quarterback is trying to make an impact by speaking out about his recent stage 4 colorectal cancer diagnosis and encouraging others to take preventative measures for their own health.

“If you feel off, even a little bit, put your pride aside and get checked out,” Garcia said from his home in Tampa. “I’m as prideful as they come. It took my wife (Masha) six or seven months to kick my ass to where I’d finally go see a doctor. It was seven months too long. I wish I would have listened earlier. If you feel off just a little bit. Go get yourself checked out. That’s been my main message to everybody.

“It’s a hell of a journey. The doctors that I have, and the oncologists and surgeons that I’ve met with have been extremely confident.”

The 38-year-old began chemotherapy treatments on Wednesday, and his doctors are taking the most aggressive treatment path available to help him fight the cancer. After a few more rounds of treatment, they hope the tumor will be shrunk to where it can eventually be cut out.

Garcia said it all started last summer with abdominal pain, and he didn’t think much about it.

“I just figured it was irritable bowel syndrome or something like that, so I didn’t think anything of it,” Garcia recalled. “A few months happened, and it just never ended.”

He had an ultrasound which detected a few spots in his liver and that led him to get an MRI and then a colonoscopy. For the husband and father of three, it wasn’t easy news to hear.

“When we got the news, I was so drugged up from the colonoscopy, I had no idea what was going on,” Garcia said. “My wife was in tears. Once the drugs wore off, I was like, that kind of sucks. What now? I look at it as just another battle.

“I’m built for this kind of operation, and it’s not going to be easy. There’s a book that I read a long time ago; it’s called No Easy Day. It’s about Navy Seals. One of the things I always remember from it is, how do you eat an elephant? And it’s one bite at a time. That’s the motto I’m going with right now. I have complete faith in the team around me.”

“It’s extremely difficult. It was tough telling the kids, especially my son,” an emotional Garcia continued. “He’s 18, and he knows what’s going on. My 11-year-old daughter, I didn’t really tell her the extent of it because I don’t need her worrying too much, but eventually I’m going to have to tell her. I have a three-year-old, and she doesn’t know what’s going on yet. It’s not easy telling loved ones you have cancer. I’ve got a very strong family. I’m extremely grateful for the support system I have. It starts with my wife.”

Colorectal cancer can be silent in its early stages, and doctors stress the importance of regular screenings and colonoscopies.

“A lot of guys my age and a lot of guys in general, especially in the sports industry are so used taking care of themselves, doing their own thing, and feeling invincible,” Garcia said. “When we asked the doctor how long this has been going on, he said it’s anywhere from three to seven years that you’ve had this going on.

“I encourage everyone to quarterback your health and take charge of yourself. Put your pride aside and go get it done.”

A GoFundME page has been set up to assist Garcia with his medical bills and has already received a tremendous response. He has received tremendous support from his former teammates and coaches as well as coaches and former players from other schools as well as many other people outside of sports.

“It’s truly humbling,” Garcia said. “There are people who I have no idea who they are. There are people that are sending $7 dollars at a time. There are people that are sending $5,000 and $10,000. It’s truly amazing. Every bit helps.”

Known for his rugged play on the gridiron, Garcia said he is prepared for a physical and mental battle as he continues in his fight against cancer.

“In years past, I thought mental health was a complete joke,” Garcia said. “This whole process has opened my eyes to a whole different deal. It has changed my opinion and changed my outlook on life in general. If you are positive mentally, you’re going to get through it. It’s no joke. You are where your mind is at.

“My mental aspect is that we’re going to whip this thing’s ass. If I can inspire guys to get checked out sooner rather than later, then it’s mission accomplished.”

Garcia played for the Gamecocks from 2008 through 2011, throwing for 7,597 yards and 47 touchdowns in his career, while also rushing for 777 yards and 15 scores. He earned third team All-SEC honors in 2010, highlighted by a brilliant performance in the Gamecocks’ upset of No. 1 Alabama where he went 17 for 20 threw the air for 201 yards and three touchdowns. He also led South Carolina to its first SEC Championship game appearance that season.

Garcia has been active in recent years in Gamecock sports conversations, serving as a co-host on Tailgate Talks on the Gamecocks+ platform.