Former College Quarterback Reveals Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis

Stephen Garcia Credit: Al Messerschmidt/Getty NEED TO KNOW Former South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia has stage 4 colorectal cancer The 38-year-old had a storied college career As Garcia embarks on the health challenge, he said he is grateful for the support Former South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia has stage 4 colorectal cancer, he announced on Wednesday, May 6. “Wasn’t overly excited to share this news but it is what it is,” Garcia, 38, wrote in a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 6 alongside a link to a GoFundMe started by his wife, Maria Garcia. “We have a great team of doctors and staff that’s confident we can beat this!

It’s the only option. ” He continued, “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.

” Garcia, the Gamecocks’ starting quarterback from 2008-2011, is one of only six quarterbacks in school history to have thrown for at least 3,000 yards in a single season, according to USA Today . Stephen Garcia Credit: Jeff Siner/Charlotte Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE's free sports newsletter — sign up now! The Florida native finished his college career with 7,597 passing yards and 47 touchdowns in 40 games.

Despite his success, Garcia faced problems off the field. He was suspended five times during his time in Columbia for various infractions. In 2007 and 2008, he missed all or most of spring practice following multiple arrests ranging from public drunkenness to vandalizing a professor's car, according to ESPN .