​Nov. 11—TAMPA — Stephen Garcia wanted his latest nickname.”Cancer-free.”South Carolina’s former quarterback earned a lot of nicks during his career — Fearless, Hell-Raising, Trouble-Making. All of them, and the wins and moments that went with them, have been far off to the side since May, when he announced that he had been diagnosed with Stage IV colorectal cancer.But an aggressive fight immediately undertaken has removed all evidence of the disease. Garcia released a message on Tuesday during a week-long stay in the hospital.”(Thank) y’all for constantly checking in, thoughts and prayers, support, donations, sharing success stories, sharing stories of getting checked out bc I’ve inspired a loved one, and everything else,” Garcia posted on X. “Couldn’t have done this alone and looking forward to continue to inspire and help ppl!”He revealed that following his latest surgery, a doctor was checking in on him and decided to look at the latest pathology results. While standing in front of Garcia, he told him the best news he could get.”The margins on the nodes are negative. All the cancer is completely out of me,” Garcia said. “All of the cancer is cut out, it’s gone.”With his hair growing back and a flourishing black beard, Garcia choked back his emotions as he thanked everyone who has supported him.He has started his own foundation, Quarterback Your Health, and encourages people to get checked out. One screening can make a world of difference.Garcia has had two surgeries and may have another next month, potentially with one or two more hits of chemotherapy.But despite being frustrated at being stuck in the hospital, he’s glad to be healthy.Follow David Cloninger on Twitter at @DCPandCWant the latest updates on Gamecock athletics sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Gamecocks Now!