By Mallory Mattingly
As Bengals rookie quarterback Payton Thorne battled for a starting spot, he received the news that his father, Jeff, was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer.
In an Instagram post last month, Throne shared more details about his dad’s condition.
“As a few of you know, this February my father, Jeff, was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer. He then went thru 9 rounds of chemotherapy and was set to have his stomach and the tumor removed earlier this week,” the athlete wrote. “Unfortunately, after beginning the surgery, doctors found that the cancer had progressed and spread to the point that they said he was inoperable.”
He asked his followers for advice on what to do next.
“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,” he said. “Please reach out if you are knowledgeable in immunotherapy, integrative/holistic treatments, targeted therapies, etc.”
But despite his concern for his father, Thorne trusts God.
“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,” he declared. “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.”
“My dad means the world to me and my family,” Thorne continued. “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.”
Jeff took to social media after the surgery, glorifying God even though the outcome wasn’t what he and his family wanted.
“While the surgery & news wasn’t what we had hoped, the kindness, love & care provided by Mayo Clinic was amazing! Nursing team (lead by Nurse Sou) was incredible all week. Can’t say enough about the surgical team as well. The BEST! The fight continues. God is GOOD!” Jeff wrote on X.
While the surgery & news wasn’t what we had hoped, the kindness, love & care provided by Mayo Clinic was amazing! Nursing team (lead by Nurse Sou) was incredible all week. Can’t say enough about the surgical team as well. The BEST! The fight continues. God is GOOD! #KeepSwingin pic.twitter.com/OJ64Ly9Bjc
— Jeff Thorne (@CoachJeffThorne) July 18, 2025
Sports Spectrum reported that the Bengals signed Thorne as an undrafted free agent in April. During his five-year college career, he started 26 games at Michigan State before he transferred to Auburn for his last two years.
Faith is at the forefront of everything the athlete does.
“I’m working for the Lord and doing everything I can to glorify Him,” Payton told Auburn’s athletics website in 2024. “I pray that I can maximize the gifts that He gave me and use them to the best of my ability and that He can use me to reach other people.”
As Thorne continues to battle for a spot as the starting quarterback for the Bengals, he also fights for his dad as they both remain steadfast in the Lord and His miracle-working power.
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