Michigan State's Payton Thorne exits the tunnel to the field before the Spartans game against Indiana on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. 221119 Msu Indiana 010a Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Former Spartan QB Asks for Support for Father

Originally posted on Michigan State Spartans on SI
By Aidan Champion | Last updated Jul 20, 2025 1:00 PM ET

Former Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne is dealing with what may be the most difficult experience of his life at a time when all he should have to worry about is his career as a football player.

Thorne is currently with the Cincinnati Bengals and will be looking to make their 53-man roster as a rookie. All the while, his father, Jeff, is fighting for his life.

Thorne took to social media on Saturday to give an unfortunate update on his father's cancer. He and his family need support now more than ever.

"As a few of you know, this February my father, Jeff, was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer," Thorne wrote in an Instagram post. "He then went thru 9 rounds of chemotherapy and was set to have his stomach and the tumor removed earlier this week. Unfortunately, after beginning the surgery, doctors found that the cancer had progressed and spread to the point that they said he was inoperable.

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A post shared by Payton Thorne (@payton_thorne1)

"I share this today as a request for help and assistance from anybody who may have information or connections on alternative treatments or previous experience with a similar case. Please reach out if you are knowledgeable in immunotherapy, integrative/holistic treatments, targeted therapies, etc.

"Although there are many things up in the air right now. One thing is for certain: Christ will be glorified in this. There is a peace knowing we serve a God who has already defeated death. That’s not just some positivity talk, that’s truth. While our faith is fully in Him and His power, I believe it’s my duty here on earth to do all that I can to find resources and as much help as possible. Then leave the rest to God. I have already received great direction from people close to me, which we’re very thankful for. Now we’re just looking for anything that could be a breakthrough."

"I know that millions of people and families are currently battling this disease among others. But I feel that I should use the small following I’ve accumulated over the past few years as a resource.

"My dad means the world to me and my family. He has impacted countless lives over the course of his life, both as a football coach and as a man. And that is sure to continue through this journey.

"Thank you !"

Jeff Thorne is a former head coach of North Central College, which he led to a Division III national title in 2019.

Payton Thorne was a three-year letterwinner at Michigan State, where he quarterbacked the Spartans to an 11-2 record in 2021, with a New Year's Six victory in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.

He transferred to Auburn, where he spent his final two collegiate seasons before being signed as an undrafted free agent by Cincinnati.

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